The news that Vincent-Lapointe had failed a drugs test emerged on the eve of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Sprint World Championships in August. 

It was announced that trace amounts of prohibited substance ligandrol were found in her system during a doping control conducted on July 29.

The substance can stimulate muscle growth like anabolic steroids.

Having been provisionally suspended, Vincent-Lapointe has now attended a closed hearing before the ICF anti-doping panel, as reported by CBC.

The panel is expected to announce their decision within the month, with Vincent-Lapointe set to find out whether she will be able to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

The 27-year-old has insisted she has not deliberately taken any illegal substance and was horrified at having failed the test.

"I am shocked and completely devastated by this situation because I have done absolutely nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide," she said in August, through a statement on the Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) website.

"I am a person of integrity and any form of cheating disgusts me.

"I believe in clean sport and it is what I apply as a principle in my life as an athlete.

"I would never put my name, my reputation, or my career at risk to improve my performances and widen the gap with my opponents.

"This feels like a nightmare; I still cannot believe what has happened."

Vincent-Lapointe has won 11 world titles during her career, including six C1 200 metres golds and four C2 500m titles.

The 27-year-old also triumphed in the C1 5,000m final last year.

CKC said it believed Vincent-Lapointe took a prohibited substance accidentally and would work with her to try and clear her name.

CKC chief executive Casey Wade and Vincent-Lapointe's lawyer Adam Klevinas were present at the hearing.