Surveillance
As Chief Mark Neufeld announces his resignation, a ten-month investigation by Drug Data Decoded reveals extensive social media monitoring by his media relations unit that could violate privacy regulations.
Federal Election
Three months ago we thought we were facing the federalization of the notorious Alberta Model. Instead, we get a rightward lurch from a rejuvenated Liberal party while provincial premiers race to find the bottom of Charter rights of people who use drugs.
Compassionate Intervention Act
The Alberta government is going full MAGA with its Compassionate Intervention Act, which will strip people who use drugs of due process and force them into months-long medical incarceration.
Alberta model
The privately owned, sole-sourced app that collects personal health information of people entering recovery programs was launched as ‘voluntary’ to comply with Alberta privacy laws. But eight months later, it isn’t voluntary anymore.
Alberta model
Edmonton EMS dispatches for opioid poisoning have hit their highest weekly count ever. While other provincial governments issue warnings, Alberta has been hiding a key mortality report that could have informed solutions on the ground.
Freedom of Information
In a rare instance, University of Calgary officials were caught destroying records that should have been made available through freedom of information. The destroyed records — obtained from Calgary Police — included apparent plans for dismantling the May 9 pro-Palestine encampment protest.
Alberta model
The Alberta government has yet to release its proposed Compassionate Intervention Act but indicated in 2023 that the Act would extend existing legislation for forced abstinence of children to adults. Documents show that survival and other data are not tracked after children exit the system.
Alberta model
The Globe & Mail is reporting top-level allegations that Marshall Smith, former chief of staff to the Alberta premier, interfered in AHS procurement. If a forensic investigation proceeds, it must extend to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction, which Smith oversaw from 2019 to 2022.
News
The first legal decision favouring supervised consumption site users in Alberta since 2020 could turn the tide against five years of site closures.
Drug Data Decoded continued breaking important stories in Canadian drug policy through 2024, with intersections at policing, encampments and privatization of public services.
Alberta model
Documents reveal new details about the recovery community grant competition hurried through the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction in 2023. The Ministry continues to withhold details about the recipient previously hinted at by Drug Data Decoded.
Alberta model
Documents show the United Conservatives were working with city councillors intent on driving the closure of supervised consumption services in Red Deer as early as 2022.