(Photo: Pattison Media)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Helping citizens

Provincial government appoints Jonathan Carlzon as compassionate intervention commissioner

Jul 10, 2025 | 4:08 PM

The provincial government has named Jonathan Carlzon as the first commissioner of the Compassionate Intervention Commission.

Also the founding member of the commission, he’s been appointed on a three year term, beginning on Aug. 11.

Carlzon has 23 years of experience in the legal field as a lawyer and has held various senior roles with the Alberta Court of Appeal, Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta. He currently provides strategic legal advice on legislation, policy and ministry priorities with the provincial government.

“I am honoured to take on this role and to support Albertans facing severe substance use or addiction challenges,” said Carlzon.

“I’m committed to serving with integrity, humility and empathy, and to developing fair and effective processes to guide the commission’s work.”

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The Compassionate Intervention Commission was formed by Alberta government to address the needs of vulnerable citizens struggling with mental health issues and addiction.

The province says work is already in motion to support the implementation of compassionate intervention legislation. Some beds are expected to open next year.

“The Compassionate Intervention Act is about helping the most vulnerable Albertans get the support they need to begin their recovery journey, said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

“His leadership will be crucial in establishing compassionate intervention processes and policies.”

Alberta’s government passed the Compassionate Intervention Act this spring to support the health, wellness and recovery of individuals facing severe addiction challenges.

The act creates a way for adults or youth who are likely to cause harm to themselves or others because of their addiction and mental health.

Officials say it is meant to be a last resort effort when other treatment and recovery efforts have been unsuccessful. Eligible individuals will receive stabilization, assessment, treatment and aftercare support.

The Compassionate Intervention Act was tabled April 15 and received royal assent on May 15.

Members of the commission can be appointed for terms of up to three years, and will be recruited over the next year.

As outlined in the Compassionate Intervention Act, the commission may:

• Dismiss applications for assessment orders.
• Issue and terminate apprehension orders and assessment orders.
• Issue, uphold, amend, renew and terminate care plan orders.
• Dismiss applications for the review of a care plan order.
• Issue discharge orders.
• Grant appeals.
• Grant leaves of absence.