Alberta legislation aims to establish new mental health corporation

Alberta’s government is bringing forward legislation to establish the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE). If passed, the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence Act, 2024, will establish CoRE as a crown corporation to inform best practices in mental health and addiction; conduct research and program evaluation; and support the development of evidence-based policies for mental health and addiction.

Budget 2024 provides $5 million to support the establishment of CoRE.

Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, says CoRE will continue the practice of connecting with leading local and international experts to ensure Alberta remains a leader in the field.

“CoRE will be an essential partner to government in assessing mental health and addiction services that produce strong outcomes for Albertans on the path to recovery,” says Minister Williams. “The expanded research that CoRE will provide allows for more evidence-based decisions under the Alberta Recovery Model.”

Similar to the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA), CoRE will provide oversight to the health care system; support the evaluation of mental health and addiction system performance; and develop recommendations to improve the delivery of services.

If passed, the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence Act will establish CoRE with the ability to collect data to support the evaluation of health outcomes for those who access mental health and addiction supports. As is the case with HQCA, and any organization accessing information in the health system, CoRE will be held to high standards to protect the privacy of Albertans.

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence Act includes amendments to the Financial Administration Act (FAA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) to establish CoRE with similar provisions as the HQCA.

If the legislation is passed, CoRE is expected to become operational this summer.