The backlog of cases at the Alberta Medical Examiner’s Office has sparked a call for stricter regulation of the drug supply in the province.
According to a report by CTV News, the office is currently facing a backlog of over 1,300 cases, with some families waiting up to two years for answers about their loved ones’ deaths. This backlog is due in part to the increasing number of drug-related deaths in Alberta, which has risen by 40% in the past year.
The Alberta Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for determining the cause of death in cases where it is unclear or suspicious. However, with the current backlog, families are left in limbo, unable to properly grieve and seek closure.
This has led to calls for stricter regulation of the drug supply in Alberta. Many believe that the rise in drug-related deaths is directly linked to the lack of regulation and oversight in the province. In fact, Alberta is the only province in Canada that does not have a central agency responsible for monitoring and regulating the drug supply.
Dr. Hakique Virani, an addiction specialist and public health advocate, believes that this lack of regulation is a major contributing factor to the current crisis. He states, “We have a situation where we have a completely unregulated drug supply, and we’re seeing the consequences of that.”
In response to the growing concerns, the Alberta government has announced plans to establish a centralized agency to regulate the drug supply. However, this process could take up to two years to implement, leaving families and communities in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability.
In the meantime, the Alberta Medical Examiner’s Office is doing its best to address the backlog and provide answers to families. However, with limited resources and an overwhelming number of cases, the process is slow and frustrating for all involved.
The call for stricter regulation of the drug supply in Alberta is a crucial step in addressing the current crisis and preventing future tragedies. Families deserve closure and the government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. It is time for action to be taken to regulate the drug supply and prevent further loss of life.
