Our Staff

Natasha Touesnard is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs. Natasha believes in the organizations’ mission and strives to reduce oppressive societal conditions people who use drugs face by raising their voices throughout the policymaking process. Prior to this role, she was the Site Coordinator and lead Case Manager at the Open Door Clinic, a family practice and opioid agonist treatment clinic located in Dartmouth, NS. 

Natasha was among several local people who use(d) drugs who formed the first drug user group in the Atlantic provinces, the Halifax Area Network of Drug Using People (HANDUP). HANDUP was created through the member’s collective vision, and she held the role of Project Coordinator for a number of years. She holds several volunteer positions where she is able to share her expertise and advocate for the health, and human rights of people who use drugs. Most notably Natasha was a Canadian Delegate at the United Nations 62nd Session Commission on Narcotic Drugs in 2019. 

Natasha lives by the guiding principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” is a strong proponent of harm reduction and advocates for the respect of and holds a commitment to people who use illegal drugs, who face insurmountable challenges due to drug prohibition-based laws and policies. 

Natasha is also the proud mother of two adult children Kody and Jonathan and lives with her partner James, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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Residing in Tkaronto (often referred to as Toronto, Ontario), Andrzej has been an active member of CAPUD for some time, who passionately advocates for the health and human rights of people who use(d) drugs. This culminated to his employment with CAPUD in 2022. He is also a long-time member of the National Safer Supply Community of Practice (NSS-CoP), on contract with the Dr. Peter Centre in a Knowledge Translation role, and an Editor for The Drug Hub. He has written chapters, articles and Op-eds for publications such as Filter, presented at Stimulus Connect as well as participated in a wide array of harm reduction actions. He feels strongly about the need to end drug prohibition, establish greater access to Safer Supply, modernize Education about ‘street’ Drugs and advocate for the implementation of decriminalization and legalization models worldwide right now!! His York University master’s in environmental studies (MES with Urban Planning Certification) graduate research focused on drug use and the housing crisis. Andrzej’s passions include travelling, movies, reading, art, music, breathtaking scenery, and good conversation.