Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith’s administration has introduced pledged legislation to allow adults and young people to be forced into addiction treatment facilities.
If the proposed bill passes, parents, family members, health care professionals, police officers or peace officials can apply for treatment orders from the new provincial committee.
Under the bill, people who use substances and who believe they are taking risks to themselves or others can order community treatment for three or six months in a safe facility.
Smith said there is no compassion to get people suffering from addiction, and the new law aims to address only the worst cases of all other options failing.
Some temporary beds will start operating under plans for next year, but by 2029, up to 300 patients will be taken to two new treatment centers, which are expected to cost $180 million.
Critics say that involuntary treatment can cause harm and violate human rights, but Smith said she believes the legislation will comply with the Alberta Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
& Copy 2025 Canadian Press
