Drug-Impaired Driving in Canada by Nathan Baker

Abstract

Abstract In anticipation of federal legalization of cannabis in Canada, Nathan Baker provides an excellent overview and a detailed account of how the federal and provincial governments propose to detect, investigate, and prosecute drug-impaired driving to ensure the safety of the public on its roads. Drug-impairment tests, such as Drug Recognition Evaluations (DRE) and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) have been statutorily embedded in our criminal justice system for over ten years. However, the need for heightening awareness of these testing procedures, training for police officers who administer these tests, and education on the accuracy, validity, and credibility of drug detection technologies has been brought to the forefront of criminal law discussions as a result of legalized cannabis use. The author’s goal is to “provide a better understanding of the science and how it should relate to the creation and interpretation of the law in Canada surrounding impaired operation by drugs.” As such, Baker provides in-depth detail surrounding the efficacy of drug-impairment testing.