Health and Well-being

In this section you can find information about the law and health concerns. If you are looking for information on workplace health issues, see the section: Workplace Safety

The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.

If you are looking for information on COVID19 and actions taken to protect Albertans and prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. See: www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

For informaton on COVID-19 and Human Rights click here. The Alberta Human Rights Commission will provide frequent information updates on the impact of COVID-19 in Alberta's communities. On this page they provide general principles concerning the obligation to maintain our best practices in human rights in Alberta.

For information from Health Canada see: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

A guide prepared by Student Legal Services at the University of Alberta. It is a resource that provides information on social welfare programs available to Albertans.

Related legal topic(s): Disabilities, General health law and policy, Health issues

Alberta Resources

This website section from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta provides information about the legislation governing the privacy of and access to health records. Topics include: Principles; The Request process; Concerns; Investigations and reviews; Inquiries; Read the Act; Questions and answers; and Publications.

Related legal topic(s): General health law and policy

DrugSafe is a trusted source for Albertans to find vital information on reducing the harm of drugs and alcohol. This information on cannabis, alcohol and opiods is provided by Alberta Health Services.

Related legal topic(s): Drugs and alcohol, Health issues

The Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate is an independent, provincial investigative body legislated under the Mental Health Act. The Patient Advocate protects the rights of persons and investigates and resolves complaints related to the detention, treatment, care and rights of individuals subject to admission or renewal certificate/s or a community treatment order under the Act, and those acting on their behalf. The office also serves as a resource to the mental health community through education services and to policy and law makers by bringing a unique perspective

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Disabilities, Health issues, Human rights, Public policy

This article was prepared for the Centre`s for Excellence for Child-Wellbeing as an overview of child welfare in Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse

Calgary Counselling Centre is a charitable organization committed to providing compassionate, professional, and affordable counselling services to Calgarians. They offer counselling and group programs for individuals, couples, parents, families, and youth to help them resolve emotional and social problems. In addition to its may group and individual program services the Centre also offers a Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program which provides counselling, advocacy, social service referrals (housing, financial aid, legal guidance, support) to men and their families experiencing domestic abuse of all forms.

Related legal topic(s): Divorce and separation, Drugs and alcohol, Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Health issues, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment

This booklet provides information on the Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and explains what happens when someone calls Child and Family Services on their family.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Family law general resources, Guardianship and trusteeship

The Government of Alberta's FSCD program uses a family-centred approach to provide parents with funding to access a range of supports and services that strengthen their ability to promote their child’s healthy growth and development. In addition, FSCD assists with some of the extraordinary costs of raising a child with a disability.

Related legal topic(s): Disabilities

This standard outlines infection prevention techniques that are critical in reducing the risk of disease transmission during the tattooing procedure.

Related legal topic(s): General health law and policy, Health issues

This information on medical assistance in dying in Alberta has been prepared by Alberta Health Services to ensure patients can access compassionate high quality care, while ensuring staff and physicians can provide services within the law. Information is available on the site for patients and families as well as health professionals.

Related legal topic(s): Health issues

This guide from the Canadian Mental Heatlh Association (Calgary Region) was written to help Albertans understand their rights within the Act. It is intended as self-advocacy information only. (PDF - 18 pages)
Related legal topic(s): Health issues

A new online tool gives adults access to their personal health records, including immunizations, medications and lab test results.

Related legal topic(s): Health issues

On this site you will find information about Alberta’s Health Advocate and Mental Health Patient Advocate. The Advocates provide education about the Alberta Health Charter and patients' rights set out in the Mental Health Act, and connect people with health and mental health services, programs and resources.  The Advocates listen to any concerns or complaints about health care experiences which may result in an investigation or a referral to the appropriate complaint resolution process.

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Health issues

The Support Network is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and provides community information services, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. Its help lines are free, anonymous, confidential, and available every hour, every day. Help is also available in person and online. 24-Hour Distress Line: 780-482-HELP(4357)

Related legal topic(s): Bullying, Child abuse, Elder abuse, Health issues, Relationship violence, Sexual assault, Spousal abuse

Canada/Federal

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse has a legislated mandate to provide national leadership and to provide objective, evidence-based information and advice that will help reduce the health, social and economic harm associated with substance abuse and addictions. Includes information about workplace drug and alcohol policies.
Related legal topic(s): Drugs and alcohol, Workers' health and safety

The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network is based in Montréal. It is the only national, community-based, charitable organization in Canada working exclusively in the area of policy and legal issues raised by HIV/AIDS. It was formed in November 1992 and has over 200 members across Canada and internationally.

Related legal topic(s): AIDS/HIV, Human rights

This brochure is designed as a resource to provide you with the information you need about cannabis along with some effective tools to help you set the stage for a conversation about cannabis and engage in productive discussions with your teen about cannabis and other substance use. The brochure was produced by Drug Free Kids Canada, in collaboration with Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction,

Related legal topic(s): Drugs and alcohol

CCD is a national human rights organization of people with disabilities working for an inclusive and accessible Canada. CCD's priorities include: disability-related supports; poverty alleviation; increased employment for persons with disabilities; promotion of human rights; ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; technology developed according to the principles of universal design; and, air, rail, bus and marine transport that is accessible to persons with all types of disabilities. CCD seeks to achieve these priorities through law reform, litigation, public education and dialogue with key decision-makers.

Related legal topic(s): Disabilities, Human rights

Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health.  Site sections include: Consumer product safety; Drugs and health products; Drugs and health products; Environmental and workplace health;  First Nations and Inuit health;  Food and nutrition; Health care system; Health concerns; Healthy living; Science and research. 

Related legal topic(s): Federal government departments, General health law and policy, Health issues

A primer on medical liability from Duhaime.org's Tort and Personal Injury Law Centre.
Related legal topic(s): Medical liability

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