Alberta government invests in addiction treatment for Calgary
The Alberta government is pledging more money to help those struggling with addiction in Calgary by adding more recovery spaces that are completely free to use.
Officials say the $1.8 million in funding will be used at Calgary's Oxford House, an addictions treatment organization that offers clients safe, clean and sober places to recover.
"This funding will create 240 additional recovery spaces annually, meaning that every year up to 240 Albertans can access these pre-treatment beds," the provincial government said in a release.
"Pre-treatment support is part of a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care. These pre-treatment spaces are free for Albertans with no user fees, as is the case with all publicly funded detox, treatment and recovery spaces."
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Nicholas Milliken said the spaces will help support Albertans at a "critical stage" of their recovery.
"This is another important step in building a comprehensive system of care that saves lives while supporting long-term recovery," he said.
The government also says the pre-treatment beds at Oxford House will address a gap in the system.
"Oxford House is a safe haven for people who are serious about recovery. By providing peer mentorship and access to vital recovery housing services in a supportive environment, we are helping more Albertans maintain their sobriety, continue their pursuit of recovery and take their lives back," said Oxford House's executive director Earl Thiessen in a statement.
The funding for the spaces has been provided by the medical detoxification and residential addiction treatment expansion grant, which is part of the Smith government's $140 million investment over the next four years.
According to government data, 1,346 Albertans died from drug overdoses between January and November 2022.
In 2021, 1,621 Albertans died from overdoses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.