Why are Alberta's overdose deaths on the decline?
While the UCP does support harm reduction programs and has even expanded their availability, it tends not to highlight this aspect.
New data reveals a significant drop in opioid overdose deaths in Alberta, with figures falling from 788 between January and May 2023 to 431 during the same period this year—a 55 percent decrease.
Several factors could account for this decline, but a notable political factor is the United Conservative Party’s (UCP) emphasis on treatment and recovery rather than harm reduction or safe supply.
While the UCP does support harm reduction programs and has even expanded their availability, it tends not to highlight this aspect.
The reduction in overdose deaths suggests that a nuanced approach, including treatment-focused strategies, can be effective, even if it's not prominently publicized.
Dr. Monty Ghosh, an internist, addiction specialist, and assistant professor at both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, believes that Alberta's approach could serve as a model for other governments adopting conservative policies.
“If [governments] are going to be following conservative policies, they need to look at Alberta as being a key model,” said Dr. Ghosh.
