Danielle Smith (Photo: Newsfile Graphics, O:Drive)
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government has rolled out legislation allowing adults and young people to be mandated into addiction treatment facilities.
If passed, the proposed bill would allow a provincial commission to issue treatment orders for substance users deemed a risk to themselves or others, based on applications from family, health-care workers, or law enforcement.
Individuals would be required to go through treatment in a secure facility for up to three months or complete six months of community-based treatment.
Up to 300 patients would be sent to two new treatment centres, expected to cost $180 million, by 2029.
According to Smith, the legislation is supposed to address only the most serious cases, where all other options have failed.
Although critics have argued the proposed legislation could cause harm and violate human rights, Smith believes it will comply with the Alberta Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Smith says there is no compassion in allowing people to suffer in the throes of addiction.
Temporary beds are expected to start operating under the new program next year.
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