Compassionate Intervention is Criminalization By Another Name

Dear AB MSTH members. 

We would like to invite you to an AB advocacy Zoom call on March 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM Mountain Time to discuss the “Compassionate Intervention Act” legislation proposed by the government of Alberta. 

We will provide a brief overview of the legislation and followed by questions, discussion, and strategizing a response. 

Trigger Warning: This content discusses topics related to drug overdose and death, which may be distressing for some individuals. Please proceed with care and prioritize your well-being.

Submitted by a Dr. Darren Markland, Nephrology and Critical Care MD FRCPC - Edmonton, AB.

Troylana Manson speaks about the heartbreaking loss of her son Aaron and its impact on her family.

She emphasizes that "overdose" does not capture the full picture. Many people accidentally take harmful substances, leading to poisonings instead of overdoses. This is how we have sadly lost many loved ones.

This speech was given at the International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) in Kamloops on August 31, 2024.

Tanya Hornbuckle reflects both on her personal loss and the collective strength of the community, while acknowledging the shared experience of loss due to the toxic drug supply.

International Overdose Awareness Day - Edmonton, AB - August 31, 2024

Good evening,

I'm honoured to be standing here as a part of this community that has come together due to the toxic drug supply that has resulted in the deaths of our loved ones. I'm sorry we have to have this event but I am absolutely grateful that you all are here. Take a good look around. Notice that you are not alone. Hug the friends or family members you are here with. Reach out to those who stand by themselves, as they also deserve the love & understanding we all need. Your loved one mattered.  

Can we sue the government? In summary, it is not easy and it is very costly, but there are a few situations were legal action is warranted and have shown success.

Societal change leads to legal change: Looking back at a history of law in Canada, prior situations concerning common perceptions that certain things were immoral, that were stigmatized, and that were criminalized illustrate that societal change leads to legal change. Situations that became more widely socially accepted became protected through law.