Canada’s fentanyl czar, Kevin Brosseau, is traveling to Washington this week to present new data indicating a decrease in opioid-related fatalities, in an effort to address concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding Canada’s role in the fentanyl crisis.

Brosseau, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police deputy commissioner, announced his plans on Monday during a news conference on Parliament Hill alongside federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, and Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada. He is scheduled to meet with various U.S. officials, including representatives from multiple agencies and the Canadian embassy, which facilitates communication with Washington.

The most recent national statistics released at the event show 5,608 opioid-related deaths in Canada from January through December 2025, averaging about 15 deaths per day. This figure reflects a 23 percent decline compared to the previous year, officials reported. Brosseau emphasized that despite the decrease, the situation remains grave, noting the ongoing impact on families across the country.

Brosseau, who was appointed Canada’s fentanyl czar in 2025 by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shortly after a U.S. executive order by President Donald Trump declared the illicit drug flow from Canada an “unusual and extraordinary threat,” highlighted the government’s sustained commitment to countering the crisis. He attributed the decline to coordinated efforts targeting the illegal supply chain, holding perpetrators accountable, and implementing robust public health initiatives.

Addressing concerns that U.S. criticism may be leveraged in broader trade negotiations, Brosseau acknowledged differing perspectives but refrained from speculating on political motives. “I’ve said from the beginning that Canada isn’t a major source of fentanyl to the U.S. That’s been clear, and I have used evidence and data as my points of argumentation,” he said.

Although Brosseau noted that fentanyl continues to be a serious problem contributing to social disorder and deaths within Canada, he stressed ongoing efforts to address the issue. He also affirmed the importance of bilateral information-sharing and cooperation, pointing out that organized criminals often operate transnationally and prioritize profit over borders.

In addition to his role as fentanyl czar, Brosseau holds the positions of commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard and senior associate deputy minister in the Department of National Defence, allowing him to coordinate various government responses to the crisis. He described his outreach to U.S. counterparts as a critical but infrequent aspect of his work, largely conducted through virtual engagements.

Brosseau concluded that Canada remains a “trusted partner in ensuring hemispheric security” and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue tackling the fentanyl epidemic despite ongoing challenges.