British Columbia had more than 2,500 fatal overdoses in 2023.Photo by Nick Procaylo/Postmedia/File

Architect behind Alberta's drug strategy warns B.C. not to rush involuntary treatment

'This is not a fortune-cookie response to an issue. It takes vision. It takes political courage, it takes commitment, and it takes the drive to see it through,' says Marshall Smith

by · National Post

When Alberta introduces legislation next spring that will allow drug addicts to be forced into treatment, it will be the culmination of years of preparation and study, and, according to its architect, may well provide a roadmap to politicians in British Columbia, who are looking to change the way they approach the nexus of drug addiction, mental health and social disorder.

Involuntary treatment of drug addicts the Alberta election issue the rest of Canada is watchingAlberta is entering election season, and an unlikely issue could prove crucial: The United Conservative Party’s plan to force chronic drug addicts into treatment, a bold but controversial measure that could have resonance for provinces across the country struggling with street violence and disorder.Tristin Hopper, 29 Apr 2023Colby Cosh: David Eby's timely reversal on involuntary treatment for drug addictionOn Sunday, B.C. Premier David Eby announced that the province would be creating new care beds for involuntary treatment of drug addicts dying in plain sight on the streets of Vancouver and other cities. This is, and I’m not exaggerating that much, the closest thing you will ever see to a reigning Pope announcing his conversion to Islam. (OK, I don’t totally put that past the current Pope, but I digress.)Colby Cosh, 17 Sep 2024