Top of the Alberta Premiers’ to-do list for the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions focuses on improving mental health support access and education in schools across the province. Premier Danielle Smith has tasked Peace River MLA Dan Williams with tripling the number of mental health classrooms currently in the province and increasing the number of Integrated School Support Programs that can be accessed in schools.
Improving Albertans’ access to resources for both mental health and addiction recovery is another priority reflected in the mandate letter; as Williams has been directed to expand Counselling Alberta, aiming towards those needing support being able to access same-day appointments instead of being put on a waitlist. Adding at least five new 75-bed recovery and treatment centres will increase the opportunities for those wanting help to access them. During his visit to Grande Prairie at the end of July, Williams announced the province was working with the community to look for a location to build one of these 75-bed facilities in the Grande Prairie area, estimated to be worth $25 million.
While working on completing the tasks outlined to him by the provincial leader, Williams has also been directed to continue developing a recovery-oriented system for mental health and addictions “in partnership with other government departments that support the mental health and addiction needs of Albertans to ensure consistency.” Part of this will be working with Alberta Health Services to create a specific division dedicated to this area.
In a statement, Williams says he is grateful to accept the responsibility of implementing the United Conservative government’s plan to deal with these issues.
“Our government will not stand by as families and communities are torn apart by addiction. We are committed to compassionately providing recovery supports and mental health care for those suffering from these challenges,” Williams says.
In total, there are over 20 items included in the mandate letter for the minister to work through over the next four years. Willams was appointed Minister of Mental Health and Addiction at the beginning of June by Premier Smith, following the UCP party’s majority win in the spring election.
