The Alberta government announces that a new drug treatment court will be built in Grande Prairie. The announcement was made outside of the Montrose Cultural Centre. Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

drug treatment court

Alberta government announces new drug treatment court for Grande Prairie

Jul 30, 2021 | 2:19 PM

Grande Prairie will be home to Alberta’s newest drug treatment court.

Drug treatment courts are designed to help break the cycle of addiction-motivated crime by giving non-violent offenders access to judicially supervised treatment and recovery.

Treatment is supplemented by frequent drug testing, sanctions, incentives and social services.

Grande Prairie City Councillor, Wade Pilat was on hand for the July 30 announcement at the Montrose Cultural Centre. He tells EverythingGP that a drug treatment court is something council has advocated for a while.

“It’s exciting for the City of Grande Prairie,” said Pilat. “Our council has had a lot of conversations about community safety and I think this plays into community safety.”

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“For me, it’s exciting hearing stories like Roberto’s (who successfully went through the court) where there’s a path for people to recovery in this process and it’s not just about bogging down a judicial system. I think this is a real good program and I’m excited to see it rolled out in the community, especially hearing the success rates it’s had in other communities.”

Roberto Diaz graduated from the Edmonton drug treatment court in 2019. He checked into the court after he had a battle with drugs and addictions.

Kaycee Madu, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General for Alberta, was on hand to make the announcement in the Swan City and says these courts have been proven to work, especially with people like Roberto.

“I am looking forward to similar success stories like Roberto. Roberto tells us how this program has led to a complete turnaround. He now has a relationship with his daughter, his family, he’s now comfortably employed and he’s contributing to the success of our communities.”

Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Travis Toews says he’s excited the drug treatment court is coming to this region.

“I’m so pleased that we have a drug court coming to Grande Prairie. I’m certainly aware of the positive impact that this approach has had in other regions and jurisdictions,” explained Toews.

“This approach has really been proven to reduce the amount of crime in a community and also it works hand in hand with addiction recovery and really life transformation for those caught in addiction.”

Grande Prairie will be home to one of five new drug treatment courts established outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Over the last year, new courts have been created in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

The court in Grande Prairie is expected to open towards the end of the year. Another court is also planned for Red Deer. It is also expected to open by the end of the year.