To promote a level international playing field, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) initiated a World Anti-Doping Program in 2000. The program is structured in three levels:

• Level 1: The World Anti-Doping Code - ensures global harmonization of anti-doping efforts by providing consistent policies, rules and regulations across all sport organizations and national authorities;
• Level 2: International Standards - mandatory operational standards, such as the Prohibited List and the standards for education, testing and laboratory accreditation;
• Level 3: Models of Best Practice - voluntary practices, providing benchmark solutions for many aspects of anti-doping.

Acceptance and implementation of the World Anti-Doping Program is a requirement for sports and countries to participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, world championships and other major games.

The Canadian Anti-Doping Program is Code-compliant. In light of Canadians’ long-standing interest in harmonized and effective anti-doping programs worldwide, the CCES believes that compliance with the World Code is not only an obligation, but a privilege.