On a per capita basis, Canada is considered one of the heavier prescription drug using nations. This is in part due to its provincial public health care systems that provide broad and comprehensive access to prescription drugs and health care services. However, data and public discourse on the nonmedical use or repurposing of prescription drugs for the enhancement of cognitive performance remains fragmented. Public interest, as well as the available—albeit limited—evidence related to prevalence indicates that this issue concerns Canadians. Regardless, few attempts have been made to better understand the current national situation and to respond to the challenges it raises. In this chapter, the author reviews the development of discussions on the nonmedical use of prescription drugs in the Canadian context, then reviews some of the major responses in public policy discussions and academic research.
Racine E. Cognitive enhancement in Canada: An overview of conceptual and contextual aspects, policy discussions, and academic research. Dans : Fabrice Jotterand et Veljko Dubljevic, édit., Cognitive Enhancement: Ethical and Policy Issues in International Perspectives, Oxford University Press, 2016, Chapitre 13, p. 196-218