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September 1, 2016. The province announced that its advocacy for changes at the federal level has seen results as Health Canada is moving forward on restricting six chemicals used in the production of fentanyl. “This government is focused on reducing the availability of fentanyl and other drugs in the province,” said Kathleen Ganley minister of justice and solicitor general. The province has provided $3 million to Alberta Health Services for additional opioid replacement treatment spaces and counselling supports. Since December 2015, the province’s supply of publicly funded naloxone kits has tripled, from 3,000 to 9,000. As of July 31, the Alberta Community Council on HIV had dispensed 2,910 kits, with 313 kits reported to have been used in overdose reversals. As well, ministerial orders have been extended to allow registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses to prescribe naloxone, paramedics, EMTs and EMRs to administer naloxone.
Indigenous Relations Minister Richard Feehan spoke at International Drug Overdose Awareness day on Wednesday, saying the 153 Albertans who died in the first six months of the year due to drug overdoses related to fentanyl were “completely unacceptable deaths.” (Photo: Shari Narine)