Every life lost to addiction is a tragedy, and our government offers heartfelt condolences to the families and communities mourning the loss of loved ones. These losses are devastating, and each one represents an opportunity for change. In Alberta, we believe that every person suffering from addiction deserves the chance to pursue recovery and rebuild their lives.
Over the years, the opioid crisis has affected communities across the province, including Camrose. This crisis demands urgent and compassionate action. Under the previous NDP government, individuals seeking help for their addiction were often met with barriers, including fees that made services unattainable for many. For those struggling with addiction, every barrier can seem insurmountable, and financial costs prevented too many from getting the help they needed.
Our government is committed to removing those barriers and ensuring that addiction treatment is accessible to all Albertans. That’s why Alberta is building a comprehensive system of care called the Alberta Recovery Model. This model provides a full continuum of care, from prevention and intervention to treatment and long-term recovery. We recognize that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and requires flexibility, support, and compassion.
A key part of this recovery model is the development of world-class recovery communities. Alberta is proudly building 11 such communities, three of which are already open and offering life-saving treatment to those in need. These facilities are designed to offer individuals a safe, structured environment where they can focus on recovery through holistic and evidence-based approaches. These communities provide more than just a place to stay — they offer hope and a new start for those battling addiction.
In addition, Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) is available across the province, offering immediate, same-day treatment for those struggling with opioid addiction. There is no cost and no wait list, ensuring that anyone in need of help can access evidence-based medication and support without delay. This program is critical in breaking down the barriers that previously prevented individuals from accessing timely care.
Furthermore, naloxone, a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, is available free of charge at over 2,000 locations across Alberta. By making naloxone readily available, we are empowering Albertans to take immediate action when they encounter an overdose, helping save lives when every second counts.
Recovery communities are being built across the province, including partnerships with Indigenous communities such as Siksika Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, and Tsuut’ina Nation. These facilities reflect our commitment to ensuring that recovery services are accessible to all, regardless of where they live. In Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Gunn which is in Lac Ste. Anne County, recovery communities are already providing a safe space for individuals to heal, while more facilities are planned for Edmonton, Calgary, and Grande Prairie.
In the Camrose constituency and throughout Alberta, we are working to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to overcome addiction and build a brighter future. By offering free, evidence-based treatment and expanding our recovery network, our government is dedicated to saving lives and giving hope to those who need it most. The opioid crisis may have taken much from us, but together, we can reclaim our communities and create a stronger, healthier Alberta for all.
- MLA Jackie Lovely can be contacted at her constituency office located at #104, 4870 51 Street, Camrose AB, T4V 1S1, or by telephone at 780-672-0000.
