MLA Report: Alberta recovery news

By Justin Wright on January 17, 2024.

This week, many Canadians were troubled to learn about the B.C. NDP’s new drug policy, which allows eligible youth who are already struggling with addiction to gain access to fentanyl through their so-called “safe supply” policy. This is something our United Conservative government does not agree with.

Here in Alberta, we believe there is no such thing as a truly “safe supply” when it comes to deadly substances like fentanyl. Unlike B.C., our United Conservative government introduced regulations to prevent these kinds of misguided “safe supply” drug policies from taking hold.

Since 2019, Alberta has charted a different path from B.C. on addiction and recovery:

– We’ve added over 10,000 new addiction treatment spaces across Alberta;

– Eliminated the $1,240/month user fees that prevented access to treatment under past governments;

– Building 11 long-term recovery communities, with two already open;

– Expanded same-day access to treatment medication anywhere in Alberta.

A recent Angus Reid poll found Alberta’s recovery-focused model is the most popular drug policy in Canada. We are committed to eliminating barriers to treatment and investing further in life-saving supports.

While B.C. heads down a dangerous road, Alberta will stay focused on proactive investment in recovery. We understand addiction is a disease requiring health-focused solutions. Our priority is helping those suffering rebuild their lives through understanding, empathy and effective treatment.

The Alberta Recovery Model provides hope and shows the way to a future where the addiction crisis is met with solutions, not harm. We will continue leading Canada by investing in communities, rejecting “safe supply” myths and giving individuals the treatment they need.

Though other provinces are losing their way, Alberta remains committed to safety and recovery.

Justin Wright is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

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