Province names head of its new ‘Compassionate Intervention Commission’

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on July 11, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Moving forward with the implementation of compassionate intervention legislation and care, the province has appointed Jonathan Carlzon as the first commissioner and founding member of the Compassionate Intervention Commission.

Beds for compassionate intervention are expected to start becoming available next year.

Compassionate intervention, as the province calls it, or forced addictions treatment as dubbed by critics, is designed to allow adult family members, guardians, health-care professionals, police or peace officers to request treatment for those who they determine may be a danger to themselves or others due to substance addiction.

Work to implement this legislation, which was tabled April 15 and received royal assent on May 15, includes Carlzon’s appointment.

“I am honoured to take on this role and to support Albertans facing severe substance use or addiction challenges. I’m committed to serving with integrity, humility and empathy, and to developing fair and effective processes to guide the commission’s work,” said Carlzon.

Carlzon is a lawyer with experience in administrative and ethics law, litigation and adjudicative processes, and knowledge of Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care, according to the government.

The Compassionate Intervention Commission is an independent adjudicative body tasked with making decisions under the Compassionate Intervention Act, the province says. It will review applications and conduct hearings, non-compliance reviews and appeals, operating independently from government.

“The Compassionate Intervention Act is about helping the most vulnerable Albertans get the support they need to begin their recovery journey,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “I’m pleased to welcome Jonathan Carlzon as commissioner. His leadership will be crucial in establishing compassionate intervention processes and policies.”

Carlzon’s three-year term begins Aug. 11.

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