Alberta continues to gain international attention for its comprehensive and evidence-based approach to addressing mental health and addiction care. Minister Williams is travelling to the United States to meet with elected officials, community leaders, lawmakers and practitioners to support the continued development of the Alberta Recovery Model. 

“I look forward to sharing the innovative work we’re doing to build the Alberta Recovery Model and learn of other policies that are similar to Alberta’s proposal of compassionate intervention. This visit is an opportunity to build on existing partnerships and create new avenues for collaboration between Alberta and leaders of recovery-oriented care in the United States.”

Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

With many U.S. jurisdictions facing a similar addiction crisis, Alberta’s government is looking to leverage best practices south of the border that can inform approaches to help those who are a danger to themselves and/or others as a result of their addiction or drug use. With compassionate intervention legislation expected next year, Minister Williams is travelling to Massachusetts and Connecticut to learn more about their systems, which include using treatment orders for those who are a danger to themselves or others.

Minister Williams will also share work done by Alberta’s government to build the Alberta Recovery Model, including establishing the new Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE). Leadership from CoRE will be in attendance to help identify opportunities for collaboration in recovery-oriented care.

During his visit, Minister Williams will also engage with organizations on approaches for public communication and co-ordination of recovery initiatives, including effective community engagement and strategies to build strong support networks for individuals in recovery.

Minister Williams will be accompanied by a staff member and departmental representative. Expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Itinerary for Minister Williams*:

Sept. 16
  • Travel to Washington, D.C.

Sept. 17
  • Meet with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
  • Meet with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  • Attend the “America Honours Recovery: Faces and Voices of Recovery in D.C.” reception

Sept. 18
  • Meet with Alberta office and officials at the Canadian Embassy
  • Travel to Hartford, Connecticut
  • Meet with Connecticut officials

Sept. 19
  • Meet with Connecticut health officials
  • Travel to Boston, Massachusetts
  • Meet with Massachusetts health officials

Sept. 20
  • Meet with Harvard Research Recovery Institute
  • Meet with Massachusetts health officials and service providers

Sept. 21
  • Travel to Edmonton

*Subject to change.

Quick Facts

  • The Alberta Recovery Model provides access to a full continuum of services and supports, from prevention and intervention to treatment and recovery.
  • CoRE was established in July, and is supporting Alberta’s government with data analysis, program evaluation, and expert advice on global best practices to produce the best outcomes for Albertans pursuing recovery.
  • Since 2019, Alberta has added 10,000 new publicly funded addiction treatment spaces across the province and eliminated daily user fees.
  • In 2024-25, Alberta’s government is investing $1.55 billion to continue building the Alberta Recovery Model.
  • Alberta’s government is establishing 11 recovery communities across the province. Once all 11 recovery communities are operational, they will add about 700 new treatment beds capable of supporting more than 2,000 Albertans every year in their pursuit of recovery.
  • Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list.