This release was issued under a previous government.
“Hearing that another person has died in Alberta after taking highly toxic illicit drugs is deeply troubling. This is especially concerning, given that very little is known about W-18. In order to help ensure we have a deeper understanding of the impact of this drug and other illicit drugs in Alberta, we are taking immediate steps to strengthen our surveillance measures. In the coming week, representatives from Alberta Health, including the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be meeting with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to discuss ways to support the collection of data on drug-related deaths. We are also taking a hard look at all the work being done to combat illicit drug use in order to make sure we are addressing this problem in the most effective manner possible.”
- Brandy Payne, Associate Minister of Health