Alberta’s government has proudly established itself as a leader in mental health and addiction care. In 2019, Alberta established an Associate Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction, a first step to putting more focus on these services that had previously been part of the Ministry of Health. With the establishment of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction in fall 2022, Alberta’s government is now providing direct oversight to ensure high-quality mental health and addiction services are available to meet Albertans’ needs today and into the future.
The next step for improving mental health and addiction services was to establish Recovery Alberta, a new provincial health agency focussed on delivering public mental health and addiction services. Recovery Alberta will officially begin operations on Sept. 1 with more than 10,000 staff working in Alberta Health Services (AHS) addiction and mental health, and correctional health services moving to the new organization. They will continue to operate and manage contracts for about 1,650 psychiatric beds, 1,350 addiction detox and treatment beds, and health services for more than 4,800 people in 10 provincial correctional facilities.
“We have reached an exciting milestone for mental health and addiction services in Alberta. This summer, I had the chance to hear from many front-line staff about the work being done to improve patient care by prioritizing mental health and addiction services. Together, we have an opportunity to make meaningful and lasting changes to improve the wellness of Albertans, and through Recovery Alberta, we will make it happen.”
Historically, the delivery of mental health and addiction services has been an afterthought within the health care system and broader health system planning. Having a dedicated provincial health agency to deliver mental health and addiction services will allow for strategic planning and resource allocation to meet the needs of Albertans efficiently and effectively. Recovery Alberta will be overseen by Alberta Mental Health and Addiction as the ministry responsible for delivering these services.
In every part of the province, Albertans deserve quality access to mental health and addiction care. In Budget 2024, Alberta’s government budgeted more than $1.13 billion on the delivery of mental health and addiction services by AHS. That funding will now support the operation of Recovery Alberta with more oversight, ensuring services are consistently available to Albertans in need.
Alberta’s dedicated front-line workers, service providers and mental health and addiction professionals provide exceptional care to Albertans and remain essential to the successful launch of Recovery Alberta. Patients currently receiving mental health or addiction care will continue to work with their trusted care team and access high-quality services without interruption. There will continue to be no disruptions to service delivery, and staff who transition to Recovery Alberta will not see changes to their terms of employment.
Alberta’s government has been working closely with the senior leadership of Recovery Alberta and AHS to ensure the transition goes smoothly without disruptions to the employment of front-line staff or patient care. The review of mental health and addiction programs and services will continue throughout the transition and beyond to ensure they continue to be delivered effectively and are meeting the needs of Albertans.
Kerry Bales, Recovery Alberta’s chief executive officer, will continue working to establish a senior leadership team and ensure mental health, addiction and correctional health services continue to run smoothly with no gaps in the delivery of care. Mr. Bales will be supported by Dr. Nick Mitchell, who previously served as provincial medical director of Addiction and Mental Health at AHS and will continue to serve as chief medical officer under Recovery Alberta.
“Recovery Alberta will launch on Sept. 1 thanks to the commitment and professionalism of thousands of dedicated staff members and physicians, along with a collaborative network of community partners and organizations, and a shared purpose to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We will continue to provide the important services Albertans rely on, and work to enhance care in every corner of the province.”
Alberta’s government has made significant strides and investments in mental health and addiction care and building the Alberta Recovery Model. Recovery Alberta is the next big step in prioritizing mental health and addiction care and improving the patient experience across the continuum of care, including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government is investing $1.55 billion in 2024-25 to continue building the Alberta Recovery Model.
- This includes more than $1.13 billion for the delivery of mental health and addiction services historically delivered by AHS.
- In May 2024, the Regional Health Authorities Act was amended to create the Provincial Health Agencies Act, enabling Alberta’s government to establish Recovery Alberta as a provincial health agency to provide mental health, addiction, and correctional health services to Albertans.
- Recovery in mental health “refers to living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life, even when there are on-going limitations caused by mental health problems and illnesses.” (MHCC, 2012, p.15)
- Virtual engagement sessions for AHS staff and service providers were held in April 2024.
- Recordings can be listened to online.
Related information
- Recovery Alberta
- Refocusing health care in Alberta
- Alberta Recovery Model
- Virtual engagement sessions for AHS staff
Related news
- Next steps in refocused mental health, addiction care (June 11, 2024)
- Setting the foundation for a refocused health system (May 14, 2024)
- Refocusing health care: mental health and addiction (April 2, 2024)
- Refocusing on patient-centred care (Nov 8, 2023)
