DONATE TODAY

About Us

The Complementary Medicine Research and Addiction Foundation (CMRAF) is a Canadian public charity foundation launched in 2022.

Co-founded by Aubrey Dan and Peter Billiaert; also the Co-Founders of EmpowerPharm Inc., an innovative clinical-stage pharmaceutical company with a vision to empower patients and their healthcare providers globally with government approved therapeutic pharmaceuticals that enhance mental and physical health.

 

The creation of CMRAF is their way of giving back, having a positive social impact on Canadians.

 

Jointly they have created a Canadian charitable foundation to fund and support those suffering from mental and physical health issues that have led to drug addiction.

 

The foundation initially is set up to support academic institutions’ research and discover alternatives to prescribing various medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines; while funding charitable organizations in Canada with those suffering from drug addiction.

Our Mission

CMRAF has been established to ensure that research and development has a social cause and purpose by helping those most in need, while recognizing the need for the pharmaceutical industry leadership to confront the clear and present perils of the opioid and related addiction crisis.

What We do

Globally, we are in the midst of an opioid crisis. There have been more than 500,000 apparent opioid-related deaths between 1999-2019. These lost lives make the opioid crisis a leading public health and safety concern.

The foundation goals include

Conducting Research

Conduct research on CBD, other cannabinoids, psychedelics and other complementary medicines that can be used as an alternative to currently prescribed medications.

Addressing Issues

Address the clear and present opioid and drug addiction crisis in Canada and beyond.

Our Values

Trust and Integrity
The Pursuit of Excellence
Innovation and Transformation
Truth and Transparency
Empowerment
Accountability
Diversity and Inclusion

Our History

Aubrey Dan and Peter Billiaert, the Co-Founders of EmpowerPharm Inc., have each committed to 10% of their company shares to help fund the start of CMRAF. Their joint donation will help fund addiction research with recognised academic institutions. Funding will also assist registered not-for-profit organizations to provide direct help to those suffering from the opioid and other drug related challenges.

Our Team

Stay updated on our latest news and medical research guides

416-590-9444

ext. 301

  • 197 Sheppard Avenue West Toronto, ON M2N 1M9

Copyright © CMRAF.ORG

Aubrey Dan

President, Director & Co-Founder

Chairman, Co-CEO, & Co-Founder of EmpowerPharm Inc. Former pharmaceutical executive at Novopharm Ltd. and President of Wampole Canada Inc. with over 15 years industry experience. Aubrey is a Canadian businessman, philanthropist as well as a Tony-Award® winning producer (MEMPHIS) who is also the principal of the Dancap Family Investment Office Dancap.ca.

Aubrey received an honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree (honoris causa) from Assumption University in 2008 and from Western University in 2019. He also received a Professional Achievement Award in 2015 from Western University. He is a Governor at Tel Aviv University. Aubrey received the Order of Canada in 2019.

Dr. Harvey Blankenstein

Director

Dr. Harvey Blankenstein graduated with his MD degree from the University Of Toronto and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He went on to complete a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Adolescent Medicine and has worked at The Teen Clinic, Hospital for Sick Children and North York General as well as having delivered babies for almost 15 years . He was the past President of the North York General Medical Staff Association and past member of the hospital Board, previous medical consultant to the Ministry Of Health Primary Care Team and was the first Medical Director of the NY Family Health Team. Dr. Blankenstein is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine and teaches students and residents training in Family Practice with an interest in and teaching of Quality Improvement. In addition to his clinical practice, which includes all ages and full spectrum family medicine with office procedures , he is currently a Peer leader with OntarioMD (eHealth strategy) and sits on the Health Inquiry Panel at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. 

Chris Tambakis

Director

Chris Tambakis is the CEO of Adgar Canada; an active, long term real estate investor, owner, developer and manager with holdings in Canada, Israel and Europe.

With a knowledge, passion and over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, he leads his team with a collaborative, supportive and clear-focused manner. Chris is responsible for establishing and implementing the company’s strategy, vision and continued expansion within the Canadian market. Under his leadership, the Canadian portfolio has acquired 24 properties, totaling over 3.1 million sf of real estate.

 

He is an active and passionate volunteer with organizations in the arts, education, community and healthcare areas.

 

Chris is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business.

Peter Billiaert

Secretary & Co-Founder

President, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of EmpowerPharm Inc. Pharmaceutical industry veteran and senior manager with Novopharm Ltd. and Teva Pharmaceuticals with over 35 years experience. Peter has extensive experience in R&D program management, decommissioning and construction of manufacturing facilities and laboratories, integration of companies, technology transfer, ERP selection and implementation. He was the Vice President responsible for the integration of Novopharm Ltd. with Teva Pharmaceuticals. Peter then became Vice President of Business Process Improvement, responsible for the standardization of all business processes across North America for Teva Pharmaceuticals. Peter obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 2022.

Elias Toby

Treasurer

COO & CFO of Dancap Family Investment Office. Over 25 years experience in this position, Elias has been overseeing the operational and financial functions of the family investment office. He’s a Chartered Professional Accountant who, along with Aubrey, has responsibility for all personnel and all aspects of management of the Dancap Investment Portfolios. This includes both direct and fund private-equity commitments, active and passively managed public equity products, real estate holdings, private debt investments and uniquely structured investments

Dolcita Birch

Executive Office Manager.

Dolcita Birch joined the Complimentary Medicine Research & Addiction Foundation as Executive Office Manager.

 

She has a range of responsibilities that contribute to the effective and efficient operation of the Complimentary Medicine Research & Addiction Foundation which includes executive support to the President, Director and Co-Founder, Directors and Officers.

 

Prior to joining the Foundation, Dolcita worked extensively as an Executive Assistant supporting Presidents and CEOs and Senior Level Management while contributing to the day-to-day business operations.

HOME
INITIATIVES
ABOUT US
NEWS
CONTACT US
DONATE TODAY

Jordan J. Hewitt, MD

Infectious Disease Physician

Proin lacinia, est lobortis iaculis pulvinar, sapien erat rhoncus nisi, sed elementum risus urna non quam. Sed eu erat vulputate, euismod sem a, tristique sapien. Aliquam sagittis iaculis diam, vitae hendrerit lorem vulputate eleifend

  • 9873 Ridgewood Street Elgin, IL 60120
  • vaxiemal@email.com
  • Praesent in justo dictum, molestie arcu eget, pul
  • Donec nibh odio, suscipit ut convallis sit amet
  • Pulvinar lectus. Nulla sed dapibus odio. Suspendisse leo magna
Book an Appointment