We’re dedicated to excellence, driven by purpose and empowering professionals.
For over 40 years, we’ve set the standard for addiction certification
and training.
We exist to strengthen the profession, safeguard the public, and empower those working on the frontlines of recovery. By combining rigorous certification with ongoing education and community support, CACCF continues to shape the future of addiction services in Canada with compassion, integrity, and vision.
Our Story
Our growth mirrors the evolution of addiction services in Canada.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a national standard recognized by counsellors, governments, and the public.
The Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation was created to establish a national standard for addiction counselling in Canada. At a time when training, ethics, and recognition varied across regions, CACCF united experts and counsellors to define excellence and consistency in the field.
Since then, we’ve grown into a trusted authority and advocate. We set rigorous certification standards, introduced specialized credentials, and aligned with international best practices to ensure Canadian counsellors are recognized alongside their global colleagues.
Today, CACCF stands as the gold standard in addiction counsellor certification. From our grassroots beginnings to our leadership in policy, education, and professional development, our history reflects one belief: when counsellors are supported and recognized, individuals and communities receive the highest quality of care.
Our Mandate
We believe public trust is earned through transparency and accountability.
That’s why our mandate includes not only setting standards but also enforcing them. At the heart of CACCF’s mission is a clear principle: every person seeking support should receive care from a qualified, ethical, and competent professional.
We uphold this through strict certification and recertification processes, high educational and experience requirements, and a code of ethics that safeguards both clients and counsellors. Certified Professionals must also pursue ongoing professional development, ensuring their skills remain current with the latest research and best practices.
Our mandate extends beyond certification. We work with governments, organizations, and educators to strengthen public health strategies and promote the role of Certified Professionals nationwide. In doing so, we provide both public protection and professional recognition, creating a trusted network of addiction professionals across Canada
Our Impact
Behind every statistic is a human story, a family supported, a career advanced, a community strengthened. The influence of CACCF reaches far beyond the counsellors we certify. With thousands of certified addiction professionals working in every province and territory, we help shape the landscape of addiction care across Canada.
The Jeff Wilbee Award
In memory of Jeff Wilbee, we proudly continue to honour his legacy through the annual Jeff Wilbee Award. Jeff passed away with his fighting spirit, but his presence remains deeply felt in everything we do. His influence on the addiction workforce reached across Canada and beyond, shaping policies, practices, and professional standards that continue to guide us today.
Jeff was a visionary, a leader, and a man steadfast in his own recovery and his support for others in theirs. As the creator and driving force behind CACCF, he built an organization rooted in integrity, compassion, and professionalism. His dedication to elevating the addiction workforce and his unwavering belief in recovery inspired countless professionals to pursue excellence and service.
We miss Jeff every day, and through this award, we ensure his work and values live on.
Award Criteria
To be nominated for the Jeff Wilbee Award, the nominee must:
Be a member in good standing with CACCF as of the date of the annual announcement.
Have demonstrated exemplary work in the field of addiction.
Have shown a strong commitment to community service.
We encourage you to nominate a colleague who embodies these values and who continues the important work that Jeff championed.
Nominations must be submitted by October 31 of each calendar year, accompanied by a rationale of no more than 200 words explaining why your nominee deserves this recognition. Please email your nomination letter to info@caccf.ca.
The winner will be notified by email, announced on the website, and honoured at our live in-person training events.
May Jeff live on in the work that we do.
The team at CACCF
Doug Brewer
Executive Director
doug@caccf.ca
Monika Frejlich
VP, Communications
monika@caccf.ca
Blair Conrad
Director, Education + Healthcare
blair@caccf.ca
Sarah Blanchette
Credentialing Manager
sarah@caccf.ca
Amanda Moon
Executive Assistant, Committees Coordinator
amanda@caccf.ca
Taylor Gunson
Administrative Assistant
taylor@caccf.ca
Andrew Wardell
Digital Consultant
andrew@caccf.ca
Michael Willson
Director, Brand + Experience
michael@caccf.ca
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