In the Media
Alberta’s recovery-focused addiction agency to address data gap
The launch of Alberta’s Centre of Recovery Excellence comes as Ontario and Saskatchewan also shift to recovery-oriented models
Leading Recovery Excellence
The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) is a new Crown corporation that will lead recovery excellence by informing best practices for recovery through program evaluation and expert advice on the effectiveness of the Alberta model. Based in Calgary, AB, CoRE provides leadership in recovery excellence within the province, nationally, and internationally.
As governments and healthcare systems around the world are seeking solutions to the significant challenges posed by untreated mental health and addictions, CoRE will support the development of empirical, functional policies through partnership with experts in Alberta and internationally. A primary focus of CoRE will be to ensure that Alberta is home to the innovation and best practices needed to build a comprehensive recovery-oriented system of care, with programs that are rigorously evaluated and researched.
CoRE will bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring strategies and recommendations are realistic, informed, and impactful. Supports and ensures intelligent, data-driven, objective recommendations to transform the mental health and addiction system to one that is person-centered and focused on recovery.
Mission
Empowering Recovery Through Data & Analysis
Research & Evaluation
Conduct research to improve and build upon recovery-focused systems of care and execute the evaluation of policies, programs, and services within the system.
Data & Analytics
Maintain a top-tier data repository to analyze datasets from various sources, in order to identify new insights that can improve outcomes for those we serve. Regularly assess system performance metrics to ensure optimal functioning.
Expert Advice & Guidance
Provide expert guidance to government bodies, healthcare organizations, and global leaders on effective recovery-focused mental health and addiction programs. Offer practical policy recommendations, clinical practice guidelines, and quality standards to support professionals within the mental health and addiction system.
Leadership & Collaboration
Position CoRE as a global leader in recovery-oriented systems of care, providing expertise to governments, healthcare providers, educators and global leaders. Increase awareness of our work both locally and internationally.
Our Responsibilities
The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) is focused on improving mental health and addiction care. It conducts program evaluations and research to help develop data-driven policies. CoRE monitors system performance and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure innovative and effective strategies. By connecting research with real-world application, CoRE aims to enhance mental health and addiction services.
Scientific Policy Guidance
CoRE is a new Crown corporation in Canada, with a mission to be a local, national and global leader advancing recovery-oriented systems of care. We are guided by our commitment to this work and have developed a Code of Conduct that ensures our actions uphold our mission and purpose.
Partnering With Global Leaders
One of CoRE’s key goals is to bridge the gap between research and real-world application. The centre collaborates with experts both locally and globally to develop and implement practical policies. This collaborative approach ensures that CoRE’s work is grounded in scientific and actionable insights.
News & Articles
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In the Media
Alberta’s ‘compassionate’ drug-policy fix shifts into overdrive
A new drug policy that aims to restrict public drug use and promote recovery-oriented approaches to addiction treatment
In the Media
Alberta’s new addictions Crown corporation tries to fill in research gaps on ‘what recovery looks like’
Harm reduction has taken up much of the oxygen — and funding dollars — in the research ecosystem
In the Media
Next steps in refocused mental health, addiction care
Alberta’s government is moving forward with establishing Recovery Alberta and the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence.
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Frequently asked questions
Still looking for answers? Reach out and learn more about CoRE.
What is CoRE?
CoRE stands for the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence. It is a new Crown corporation established by the Alberta government under the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction.
What is the purpose of CoRE?
CoRE’s main purpose is to support the Alberta government in building recovery-oriented systems of care. It will conduct research, lead program evaluations, and provide evidence-based recommendations on best practices for mental health and addiction care.
How is CoRE different from Recovery Alberta?
While Recovery Alberta is responsible for the delivery of mental health and addiction services, CoRE focuses on research, data analysis, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy and practice.
Why was CoRE established?
CoRE was announced in April 2024 as part of Alberta’s efforts to refocus health care, particularly in mental health and addiction services.
How is CoRE funded?
The Alberta government committed $5 million through Budget 2024 to support the establishment of CoRE.
Who will lead CoRE?
The leadership team of CoRE includes Kym Kaufmann as the CEO and Dr. Nathaniel Day as the Chief Scientific Officer.
Will CoRE affect current mental health and addiction services?
CoRE itself does not provide direct services. Its role is to inform and improve the efficacy of services through research and recommendations.
Recovery Resources
Anyone needing emergency care is reminded to call 911, or to go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.