Alberta lays out plan for ‘compassionate intervention’ facilities

The Alberta legislature in winter in an undated photo. (CTV News Edmonton)

The provincial government has presented a new way of treating Albertans struggling with addiction and are a danger to themselves and those around them.

Billed as “compassionate intervention,” the new legislation will care for and intervene with Albertans who can no longer properly care for themselves.

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“For those suffering from addiction there are two paths – they can let their addiction destroy and take their life or they can enter recovery. Alberta’s government is committed to providing a recovery-oriented system of care to ensure that those suffering from addiction have the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Premier Danielle Smith said Monday.

To this end, the United Conservative government is planning to commit $180 million over three years to build two compassionate intervention centres, one in Edmonton and another in Calgary.

Each of the centres will have 150 beds, equipped to care for patients with complex addiction needs.

“We cannot – and will not – stand by and let addiction destroy our families and communities,” said Dan Williams, Alberta’s minister of mental health and addiction.

“These new facilities show a strong commitment to delivering on our promise for compassionate intervention, ensuring families are no longer forced to watch their loved ones suffer from the deadly disease of addiction.”

The upcoming legislation says that individuals would need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for its compassionate intervention assessment and treatment.

“Decisions would be made by an independent commission consisting of lawyers, physicians, and members of the public, which may include Indigenous elders,” officials said.

“Treatment would be tailored to each patient’s needs and take place in a secure facility and in the community.”

Earlier this month, the provincial government said it would be moving ahead with plans to establish mandatory addiction treatment facilities.

Under that framework, a judge can order individuals to undergo treatment if directed by a family member, doctor or police officer who believes they are a danger to themselves or others.

Critics of the plan say that while it has the potential to protect the safety of others, it could violate individual rights.

The province says “safeguards” will be in place in the legislation to protect those rights and all individuals can appeal the decision to enter care.

They will also undergo regular treatment reviews throughout their time in care.

The funding for the compassionate intervention facilities is included in Budget 2025, which is set to be tabled on Thursday.

If the legislation is passed, construction on the treatment centres is expected to begin in 2026, with an expected completion date in 2029.

With files from Tyson Fedor