Marshall Smith, Alberta’s Addiction Strategy Architect, Steps Down

Marshall Smith, the principal architect behind Alberta’s controversial shift in addiction treatment strategy, will be stepping down from his role as Chief of Staff to Premier Danielle Smith. The announcement has garnered significant attention due to Smith’s pivotal role in reshaping the province’s approach to drug addiction.

Smith, known for his personal journey from addiction to recovery, has been a prominent figure in Alberta’s government. His departure follows ongoing discussions with Premier Danielle Smith, with whom he agreed that now would be an opportune time to leave, prior to the legislature’s recommencement. Rob Anderson, already a close adviser to Premier Smith, will assume the chief of staff position.

The Alberta government under Smith’s influence has moved away from harm reduction strategies, which include safe consumption sites, towards a recovery-oriented model. Critics argue that this approach could lead to increased overdose fatalities, though supporters, including the Premier, label it the “Alberta model” and aim to propagate it across other provinces.

Smith’s legacy includes directing government investment into recovery facilities, an initiative that began under former Premier Jason Kenney in 2019. This shift has seen the creation of “recovery communities,” with only three out of eleven planned facilities currently operational. Despite these changes, questions about the effectiveness and safety of the strategy persist.

Marshall Smith’s personal history of overcoming addiction on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside lends weight to his conviction in recovery-based solutions. However, his approach has faced opposition from advocates who favor harm reduction models, emphasizing the importance of safe consumption sites alongside treatment options.

Premier Danielle Smith has expressed her continued faith in this recovery-focused strategy, which has been integrated into Alberta’s division of Health Services, now known as Recovery Alberta. The Premier is soon to face a leadership review at the United Conservative Party convention, a test that may also scrutinize her government’s handling of addiction policy.

As Smith steps down, he plans to engage in consulting on addiction issues across Canada, maintaining his focus on advancing recovery models in other jurisdictions. “Canada is a big country on the verge of significant change,” Smith wrote in a statement. His experience and advocacy may continue to influence drug policy debates nationwide.

This change in leadership comes as the province assesses the impact of its current strategy against a backdrop of a national opioid crisis, compounded by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome and future direction of Alberta’s addiction policies remain closely watched both within and beyond provincial borders.