ABOUT US

Minister and Department

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is comprised of the Department of Health and Wellness and the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). Patient care and service delivery takes place among Alberta's regional health authorities and provincial health boards such as the Cancer Board and Mental Health Board.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honorable Ron Liepert, the Department of Health and Wellness and AADAC are key elements in Alberta's health care system. The minister is aided by department staff members, various advisory bodies and directed by government as a whole in setting policy for health care. The Department of Health and Wellness implements and ensures compliance with policy.

The minister and department also works with other ministers and related departments of health across the country on national policies and initiatives.

AADAC is a Crown agency of the Alberta government, mandated by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Act to operate and fund services addressing alcohol, other drug and gambling problems, and to conduct related research.

Ministry mandate

On March 27, 2008, Premier Ed Stelmach, in keeping with his commitment to run an open and accountable government, issued mandate letters to each Cabinet team member outlining priorities and tasks to be accomplished over the next one to four years. For the Minister of Health and Wellness, these priorities are:

  1. Take the lead to increase access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery, and:
    • Ensure Alberta has the health care professionals we need to meet future demand;
    • Strengthen the governance and accountability framework with all health providers; and
    • Improve the health care delivery model to ensure the roles, responsibilities and structures in the system support the most efficient delivery of services.
  2. Work with the Minister of Justice to promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe, and lead the following initiative:
    • Increase the number of treatment beds for drug addictions and mental health services.

More Ministry information

Learn more about the vision, principles and mission statements that guide the Department of Health and Wellness. Also learn about the department's organization, its advisory bodies and the legislation that directs Alberta's health system.