Alberta Liberals host Expert Panel Forum on Drug Decriminalization - Help Not Handcuffs, Calgary, AB - Wednesday November 14: 

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and Liberal MLA Dr David Swann will host an expert panel to discuss Drug Decriminalization - Help Not Handcuffs..

Two Albertans are dying every day from drug overdoses. Alberta Liberals have constructive suggestions to better manage the Opioid Crisis. We urge the NDP Government to work with the Federal Government to Decriminalize Drugs. ,

Khan stated, “It is time we treat addicts as people with a horrible disease. Decriminalization of drugs is an essential part of reducing stigma and improving their chances of healing.”

Dr Swann stated, “We must remove the stigma of drug use and provide hope. We must also address the financial impact of this crisis. Canada spent $550M in 2017 on recurrent hospital visits, policing, court proceedings, and incarceration. Decriminalization will lead those with addictions and devastating mental illness to help and recovery - not thrown into jail.”

The issue will be fully discussed by panelists on all sides of this issue  including medical clinicians, harm reduction advocates, a former drug user turned health advocate and those who lost loved ones to opioids. 
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WHERE: O’Brien Institute for Public Health
HSC Room G500 - 3330 Hospital Dr NW.

WHEN: November 14th, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and MLA David Swann release the following statement in recognition of Remembrance Day:

“Today we remember those who served in Passchendaele, Normandy, Korea, and those who continue to serve with honour in Afghanistan and abroad.

“Many lives were tragically cut short in service to their country. Others return to Canada wounded both physically and emotionally. We owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude and must fully support them and their families.

“We enjoy freedom because of the sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces. We will never forget their duty to our country and to all Canadians.

“Peace is never free. Peace is earned. We honour those who paid the price for Peace for all of us.”

The Alberta Liberal Opposition has submitted a Standing Order 30 Motion with the Speaker’s Office. It calls for an emergency debate today on the publicly estimated $260 billion in unfunded oil patch liabilities.

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan and Liberal MLA David Swann have been demanding answers on this issue. The NDP Government has been silent. Khan and Swann now believe a full and immediate public debate in the Legislature is essential to inform Albertans. Oil patch cleanups could become a financial, economic and environmental disaster for all Albertans.

Khan stated, “Taxpayers are on the hook for billions of dollars in cleanups. But how much exactly? The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) said it could be $260 billion or more. The NDP Government said it was $58 billion. Alberta taxpayers have a right to know how big this problem really is.

“The potential financial hit could bankrupt Alberta. The potential environmental impact is unimaginable.

“There are also risks to a sustainable energy industry. ATB and Canada’s major banks may be exposed as both investors and lenders to the oil patch. All these issues should be publicly examined.”

Swann stated, “This emergency debate must be an open and honest discussion. We need to hear ideas from across the political spectrum on how to resolve these enormous challenges. We need non-partisan constructive solutions on behalf of all Albertans.”

Alberta Liberals appeal to all political parties to work together on this issue. We ask for unanimous support on this Emergency Debate in the Legislature. Albertans deserve answers.