The Alberta government has announced its intention to establish a new provincial health agency dedicated to addressing mental health and addiction services, a crucial move following the revelation of record-high toxic drug deaths in the province.
Recent data revealed that between January and November of the previous year, Alberta witnessed the highest number of toxic drug-related fatalities in its history, surpassing grim milestones. With over 1,700 lives lost during this period, representing a 24.07% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2022, 28.46% higher than 2021, and a staggering 69.08% surge compared to 2020, urgent action is imperative.
Premier Danielle Smith announced on Tuesday that the United Conservative government will introduce legislation this spring to establish Recovery Alberta, a dedicated provincial health agency tasked with overseeing mental health and addiction services. Currently, these services fall under the purview of Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Smith outlined the government’s objective to transition these critical services to Recovery Alberta by July 1 of this year, ensuring continuity of care for individuals currently accessing services through AHS. The premier emphasized the need for a more focused approach to mental health and addiction services, citing systemic deficiencies within the existing fragmented system.
Recovery Alberta will be government-funded, with an annual operating budget of $1.13 billion, previously allocated for mental health and addiction services within AHS. Additionally, the government announced the establishment of the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CORE), aimed at advancing recovery-oriented care through research and evidence-based recommendations. Kym Kauffman, former deputy minister of mental health and community wellness for Manitoba, will lead the creation of CORE as its CEO.
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams underscored the importance of collaboration among jurisdictions in addressing the addiction crisis, highlighting the need for a national center of recovery excellence to guide efforts across Canada.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of consultation with frontline workers and AHS regarding the transition. Kerry Bales, chief program officer for addiction and mental health within AHS, acknowledged the absence of direct engagement from a staffing perspective but assured future town halls to gather input.
The Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) criticized the government’s approach, expressing concerns over the impact on frontline workers and the quality of care. Sandra Azocar, vice-president of AUPE, emphasized the need for comprehensive consultation to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and service users.
Janet Eremenko, Alberta NDP mental health and addictions critic, raised doubts about the government’s strategy, calling for a more holistic approach to addressing the toxic drug crisis. Eremenko urged the government to prioritize permanent supportive housing, treatment wait times, and wraparound services, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based solutions.
As Alberta grapples with the devastating consequences of the toxic drug crisis, the proposed establishment of Recovery Alberta signals a significant step towards addressing the urgent mental health and addiction needs of its population. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration, comprehensive planning, and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders involved.
