Latest from Alanna Smith
Alberta harm reduction advocate, drug user challenges government focus on abstinence
While stories of opioid use are often tragic — with thousands of attributable deaths in recent years — a woman in Calgary says using them, in the form of a prescribed powerful opioid medication, has saved her life. Now she's highlighting that abstinence doesn't work for everyone.
Confusion after Alberta government halted overdose prevention pilot: emails
The Alberta government's abrupt halt of a project aimed at reducing drug overdoses sowed confusion, anger and panic, emails and messages from those involved show.
Animal tranquilizer showing up in human overdose deaths
A powerful drug used to sedate horses and cattle is creeping into Canada's illicit drug supply and has been detected in a growing number of human drug poisoning deaths in Ontario.
'Maddening, heartbreaking': Alberta records deadliest year for drug overdoses in 2021
Alberta recorded its deadliest year on record for drug overdoses with more than 1,700 deaths in 2021.
Alberta front-line workers warn of drug overdoses rising on and off the streets
A father's hope turned to pain in less than 24 hours after his son entered a residential drug treatment facility and fatally overdosed.
Outcome of Tuesday's byelection a lose-lose for Alberta premier, political scientists say
Political pundits say there will be one clear loser in Tuesday's byelection in northern Alberta, but it won't be any of the candidates.
'Disheartening': Alberta government promise to track domestic violence offenders lags
The Alberta government is lagging on a promise to fund electronic monitoring of domestic violence offenders even as other provinces push forward with programs believed to have saved lives.
U of A public health experts call Alberta plan to phase out all COVID-19 restrictions 'reckless'
Faculty from the University of Alberta School of Public Health are voicing strong opposition to what they call the rapid relaxation of COVID-19 health measures in the province, saying it could prolong the pandemic.
Alberta family misses chance to say goodbye to dying mother because of border protest
A woman says her family members couldn't say goodbye to their dying mother because of protesters blocking the main U.S. border crossing in southern Alberta.
Mental, physical health front of mind for sports clubs operating as Omicron spreads
Some sports and recreation organizations say operating tournaments and leagues as safely as possible is worth the risk to support players' mental and physical health.