Calgary Coun. Kourtney Penner has been blasted for saying people have to recognize they can never recover from mental health problems. .“You always have it,” said Penner in a tweet. .“It can be managed and supported, but you are never free from it.” .She said this is “critical to note in dealing with complex issues.”.Penner added she made this comment because the Alberta government is focused on a recovery-oriented system of care. .“The supports pre- and post-care are not being invested in and the focus on checking boxes and putting our numbers isn’t compassion or fulsome healthcare,” she said. .In the absence of health experts, Penner said the long-term continued success of people is at risk. .For people lucky to have family doctors, natural supports, or more in their lives, they might be able to recover in their own terms. For those without, how governments talk matters. .Alberta Mental Health and Addictions chief of staff Eric Engler called Penner’s initial comment “a terrible message.” .“As someone who has recovered from both addiction and mental health challenges, yes you always have it, there is no cure, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right treatment and recovery supports,” said Engler. .Former Calgary city councillor and mayoral candidate Jeromy Farkas encouraged Penner to speak to people with lived experience. .“Any kind of phrasing around ‘you will never be free’ or ‘you can't recover’ is at best unhelpful, and at worst harmful, contributing to some dangerous myths and stigma,” said Farkas. .He included a statement from the Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia Division saying people can and do recover from mental illnesses. .Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said on July 6 the provincial government is pleased to be signing a memorandum of understanding with Siksika Nation to develop an addictions treatment facility. .READ MORE: Alberta government signs MOU with Siksika Nation for recovery community.“With an investment of up to $30 million in capital, this new 75-bed recovery community will provide holistic addiction treatment services for up to 300 people every year,” said Smith. .“And once the building is complete, Alberta’s government will also fully fund the operations of the recovery community so that no person is forced to pay out of pocket for lifesaving care.”
