Donald MacPherson

Donald MacPherson is the Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. He is a leading expert in drug policy, advocating for evidence-based, public health-oriented approaches rooted in human rights and social inclusion. His career spans over 22 years with the City of Vancouver, where he pioneered the Four Pillars Drug Strategy, a groundbreaking public health framework regulating psychoactive substances. This strategy earned him national and international acclaim, including the Kaiser Foundation Award and the Richard Dennis Drug Peace Award.

His research focuses on drug policy reform, harm reduction, and the intersection of public health with urban governance. He collaborates with the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addictions (CARMHA) and actively engages in policy work at local, national, and global levels.

• Awards: Kaiser Foundation Award (2007), Richard Dennis Award (2009)
• Key Roles: Former Drug Policy Coordinator for Vancouver, Founding Director of CDPC