Drug activity is increasing throughout our province and innocent children are being found in places where drugs are being sold or produced, such as methamphetamine labs and indoor marijuana grow operations.

On November 1, 2006, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in Canada to address this emerging social issue through the Drug-endangered Children Act. This legislation makes it clear that children exposed to an adult's involvement in serious drug activity, such as manufacturing and trafficking, are victims of abuse and need protection.

Danger to children

Children exposed to such a damaging physical and social environment face a variety of health and safety risks, including:

• inhalation, absorption, or ingestion of toxic chemicals;
• fires and explosions;
• abuse and neglect; and
• medical problems such as chronic respiratory problems, neurological damage and cancer.

If you have reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-5437.

• Information Sheet - Colour PDF
• Information Sheet - Black and white PDF

Act | Regulation