“The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a strong reminder of the enduring harm caused by drug traffickers who exploit those living with addiction. These criminals and their networks are producing and distributing illicit, dangerous drugs that ruin lives, hurt families and threaten our communities.
“Albertans will not tolerate drug dealing and the violence and disorder it unleashes – and neither will their government. Our message to the producers and pushers of illegal drugs is clear: Alberta is not a safe haven for you or your criminal activities. You are not welcome here. Full stop.
“Alberta’s government is committed to working with our partners across the province to combat drug trafficking and organized crime and bring criminals to justice so that Albertans can feel safe in their communities.
“Together, we are tackling this complex problem from all angles, restoring Albertans’ peace of mind, keeping our communities safe and saving lives.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
“Too much pain and suffering is caused by addiction and drug abuse. Every life lost is a tragedy and our government extends heartfelt condolences to those who have been affected. In addition to taking firm action against those preying upon those suffering from addiction, we have worked hard to build a system of care where recovery is possible.
“That’s why we’re proudly building 11 Recovery Communities. Five of these world-class treatment facilities will be built in direct partnership with Indigenous communities, making sure culturally-based treatment is available to those who have been disproportionately affected by this crisis.
“It’s also why we’ve added more than 10,000 addiction treatment spaces since 2019, making access to detox and recovery easier for more Albertans.
“Added to that, our Virtual Opioid Dependency Program gives the world’s best access to opioid agonist therapy, making sure evidence-based treatment medication is available same-day with no cost and no wait list. At the same time, our naloxone kit program provides free kits at more than 2,000 locations provincewide.
“We will not sit back as families watch their loved ones suffer from addiction. Instead, we will take firm action and invest in recovery, helping people rebuild their lives and reconnect with their family, community, and culture.”
Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction