Alberta Government Faces Injunction to Prevent Closure of Supervised Consumption Sites in Calgary and Lethbridge

The Alberta government is facing a legal challenge over its decision to close supervised consumption sites in Calgary and Lethbridge. Calgary resident Travis Peddie filed an injunction last week in the Court of King's Bench, seeking to prevent the closures scheduled for the end of June.

Peddie, a former user of the sites, argues that the decision violates sections 7, 12, and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which cover life, liberty and security of the person; protection against cruel and unusual treatment or punishment; and equality rights.

Peddie relied on the sites for support with stimulant use disorder and opioid use disorder before entering recovery. He described relapsing after four years of sobriety and using the sites to access services before resuming recovery. The filing seeks to ensure the province continues offering supervised consumption services in the two cities.

A similar case in Red Deer last year resulted in a Court of King's Bench ruling that closing that city's site did not breach users' Charter rights. Peddie's lawyer, Avnish Nanda, represented the applicant in the Red Deer case and is appealing that ruling.

Nanda stated that recovery-focused services do not serve as an equivalent replacement for supervised consumption sites in preventing immediate harm.

Calgary's supervised consumption site at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre opened in 2017 as the first of its kind in Alberta. The Lethbridge site has operated since 2020, following the closure of a previous larger facility there.

The province intends to redirect resources to expand treatment and recovery options under the Alberta Recovery Model. Alberta's Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction issued a statement indicating it will defend its position in court. The ministry emphasized its commitment to the recovery model, which aims to assist individuals in recovery and rebuilding their lives.

The ministry declined further comment due to the ongoing court proceedings. Peddie shared his experiences with CBC, stating that the sites played a role in his ability to seek recovery. He expressed concern that closures could limit access to similar supports for others.

The case highlights ongoing debates over balancing harm reduction and recovery approaches in addiction services.