On 15 April 2025, the Alberta government tabled Bill 53, the Compassionate Intervention Act, a sweeping proposal that would allow parents, spouses, healthcare professionals, and police officers to compel persons with severe substance-use disorders into treatment when they pose “a likely risk of harm” to themselves or others. If passed, the law would be the first of its kind in Canada for adults, establishing a parallel system to existing mental-health legislation and replacing the 2006 Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD).
Core architecture of the Act
The Compassionate Intervention Commission (CIC). This new quasi-judicial body of lawyers, physicians, and public members appointed by the cabinet will receive applications, hold hearings, and monitor compliance. One lawyer member will serve as Commissioner and chair. The CIC wields subpoena-like powers to compel evidence from individuals, public bodies, and health custodians.
Directors and facilities. The Minister may appoint a statutory director to screen applications and a medical director—a physician certified in addiction medicine—to oversee clinical standards across designated “compassionate intervention facilities.” Community service providers (bed-based and non-bed) can also be designated, each requiring to name a designated supervisor responsible for reporting and client compliance…