The City of Prince Albert has greenlit the utilization of a $3.6 million federal grant to establish a 24-hour mobile complex needs team with the objective of preventing overdoses and enhancing community safety. This initiative, supported by Health Canada’s emergency treatment fund, is geared towards alleviating strain on emergency services and facilitating quicker access to treatment, as per the city’s statement. Collaboratively developed with the Prince Albert Police Service, Parkland Ambulance, and the Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit, the project aims to proactively address recurring issues faced by officers on a daily basis.
Police chief Patrick Nogier emphasized the importance of tackling issues before they escalate, stating, “We respond to them, and by that time, there’s already an elevated degree of risk. It makes it very difficult to navigate through.” The innovative approach of the new team will enable early intervention to provide assistance rather than enforcement, Nogier explained, emphasizing the necessity of a strategic and collaborative effort among partnering agencies.
Mayor Bill Powalinsky highlighted the urgency of the situation, with Prince Albert’s overdose death rate being double the provincial average. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among emergency services, police, and the mobile crisis unit to minimize the impact on individuals and communities. The new team is set to complement the upcoming complex needs facility, offering a different response for individuals in immediate danger.
Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance, underscored the significance of the partnership in revolutionizing support delivery by enabling outreach to individuals in the community. He stressed the importance of collaboration and emphasized the benefits of building key partnerships for the success of the initiative.
Recruitment for the team’s 12 new positions is scheduled to commence in the following months, with operations expected to kick off by early 2026. Mayor Powalinsky reiterated that the initiative is not just about policies but about saving lives by intervening early and making a positive impact on the community.