Alta. proposes agency for mental health, addiction services as drug deaths reach historic high

Over 1,700 people died from toxic drugs between Jan. and Nov. last year, making it the worst year since the province’s substance use surveillance system was made publicly available. In reaction, the government will introduce legislation to create Recovery Alberta. Mental health and addiction services under the purview of Alberta Health Services would migrate to the new provincial agency. The Alta. government will also establish the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence, to build recovery-oriented systems of care by researching best practices, analyzing data and making evidence-based recommendations.