May 13, 2025
Event Recap – Addressing Addiction in Edmonton: A Conversation with Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
On Monday May 12th, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce welcomed Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Dan Williams, for a conversation on the growing public addiction crisis in Edmonton and the province’s strategy for recovery. Hosted by the Edmonton Chamber CEO & President Doug Griffiths, the discussion brought together business leaders to explore how addiction impacts Edmonton’s downtown core and what the province is doing to address it.
Prior to the event, the Chamber hosted a private Roundtable with key leaders in the City.
Our Key Takeaways
A Crisis of Addiction in Edmonton
The Minister emphasized that addiction is reaching a critical point in Edmonton’s downtown, impacting businesses, residents, and overall community safety. He highlighted the government’s commitment to a recovery-focused model, noting that addiction has only two possible outcomes: recovery or death.
Recovery-Focused Investments
To combat the growing crisis, the province is investing in recovery infrastructure, including:
- 11 new recovery communities, five of which will be Indigenous-led.
- $141 million investment in the Alberta Hospital Edmonton site, which will include a 75-bed facility for secure treatment and recovery.
- 10,000 new treatment spaces added since 2019, with more planned to come online in 2025.
Compassionate Intervention – A New Approach
The Minister also discussed the Compassionate Intervention initiative, which targets chronic addiction cases involving repeated overdoses. The program will provide immediate access to treatment and recovery services, aiming to reduce overdose deaths and provide a pathway to recovery for the province’s most vulnerable.
Looking Ahead
The discussion underscored the critical role businesses can play in supporting recovery and revitalizing downtown Edmonton. As the province ramps up its investments in addiction recovery, the Chamber is committed to advocating for policies that prioritize community safety, business growth, and economic stability.
Have Your Say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. How is addiction impacting your business? Share your thoughts and recommendations with our policy team at policy@edmontonchamber.com.
