United Conservative Party Leader Danielle Smith makes an election campaign announcement in Calgary, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

UCP promises to allow mandatory drug treatment, open addiction and mental health beds

May 15, 2023 | 1:37 PM

CALGARY, AB – Danielle Smith said a United Conservative Party (UCP) government would introduce a law to allow mandatory drug treatment if it’s re-elected May 29, 2023.

The UCP leader explains that the proposed compassionate intervention act would allow a family member, doctor, psychologist or police officer to petition a judge to issue a treatment order.

Smith made the announcement at a news conference in Calgary and promised several measures to improve public safety by addressing mental health issues and the ongoing addictions crisis.

They are part of the UCP’s focus on a “recovery-oriented system of care.”

Smith says the UCP would build more than 700 new addiction beds at 11 treatment centres in several communities, including four First Nations.

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She says it would also build five 75-bed mental wellness centres.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 15, 2023.