Alberta NDP says Smith concealed overdose data and demands transparency
EDMONTON — Alberta’s opposition NDP has accused Prime Minister Danielle Smith of hiding the latest data on opioid-related deaths until after last month’s provincial elections.
The latest provincial data released Monday shows 179 people died of drug poisoning in April, the highest number in one month.
NDP lawmaker David Shepherd says Smith stood on a podium claiming her United Conservative government’s model worked.
He says the UCP hid the truth because of their ideological policy, demanding transparency and a focus on harm reduction.
Smith’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment today, but Mental Health and Addictions Minister Dan Williams said Monday after the data was released that the government recognizes the devastating losses.
Williams has said the government will focus on tackling illegal drug trafficking and building 11 new recovery communities, including those working directly with First Nations.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 27, 2023.
