Assaf Azerrad has played a key leadership role in the Concordia chapter of the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) since 2021, in addition to serving on its national board. CSSDP is a Canada-wide network of students advocating for evidence-based responses to reduce and prevent harms associated with drug use and criminalization.
Assaf is CSSDP Concordia’s main outreach person, responsible for creating connections with other harm reduction organizations in Montreal, such as CACTUS Montreal and GRIP. In his role, Assaf mobilizes volunteers, creating opportunities for other students to join the movement, organizing events, and building relationships with external organizations. Assaf was at the forefront of creating the first substance analysis service available for Concordia students and the wider community, the Drugs Meet Test, out of Le Frigo Vert. His work has been instrumental in promoting harm reduction for students on campus and in the wider community as well as changing the way students who use drugs are treated and seen by the Concordia and Montreal community. Assaf’s contributions are especially important given the overdose and drug poisoning crisis in Montreal.