‘It’s recovery or death’: Advocate blasts Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s addictions mandate

Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta is in an unprecedented mental health and addiction crisis, but advocates are calling for more balance in Alberta’s addiction strategy.

The premier released her addictions and mental health mandate Tuesday, calling for additional support for youth and more addiction treatment spaces.

She says a “recovery-oriented Alberta model” is key to saving lives in the province, but Pedra Schulz from Moms Stop The Harm firmly disagrees.

“This single-minded approach, to me it’s recovery or death,” she told CityNews.

“They have previously criticized the prior NDP government for having a single-minded harm reduction approach. This government seems to have a single-minded recovery approach.”

Schulz is calling for more balance in the province’s addictions strategy. According to the provincial government, a record-breaking 182 people died of drug poisonings in April. In May, 151 deaths were reported.

“Besides harm reduction being essential in keeping people alive and well and giving them a chance at recovery, even their recovery-oriented approach is not working.”

Smith’s letter to mental health and addictions minister dan williams has also asked for the development of compassionate intervention legislation.

The idea was first mentioned by the UCP during its most recent election campaign. It could allow a family member, police officer or doctor to refer people struggling with addiction to involuntary treatment.

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• Calgary lost 76 people to drug poisoning in April, the worst month on record

Schulz meanwhile questions whether the idea is even legal.

“Involuntary care is incarceration by another name,” she said. “I am sure this legislation, if it comes about, will be challenged at every possible avenue, including legal challenges.”

“Frankly, it means that more Alberta families will arrange funerals.”

In response to the mandate, Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it is working to consolidate all mental health and addiction services across the province. AHS adds it will also align such programs with the government’s recovery-oriented model.