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Oct 9, 2024 4:01 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Premier Danielle Smith’s key strategist on Alberta addiction recovery policy to exit role

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Premier Smith says her chief-of-staff, Marshall Smith, will retire from public service by the end of October. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

One of Premier Danielle Smith’s closest advisers and a key figure in shaping Alberta’s addiction recovery model is leaving the provincial government. The premier confirmed that her chief of staff, Marshall Smith, will retire from public service at the end of October.

Marshall Smith has played a central role in developing Alberta’s recovery-oriented approach to the drug crisis, which emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation over harm-reduction measures such as supervised consumption sites. The strategy has been both praised for expanding treatment capacity and criticized by public health experts who say it limits access to life-saving harm-reduction services.

Rob Anderson, who currently serves as executive director of the premier’s office, is expected to take over as chief of staff once Marshall Smith steps down.

Marshall Smith has also drawn attention for his role in revising government ethics rules last year, allowing senior staff and politicians to accept gifts or event tickets valued above $500 with his approval. The policy came under scrutiny after Premier Smith and staff attended Edmonton Oilers playoff games using tickets provided by a businessman whose firm held an $80-million provincial contract.

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