"We are escalating our response, not just to prevent overdose deaths today, but to get at the very heart of the crisis so that no one has to lose another loved one," said Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy.

"Look at the numbers of deaths. Numbers of homicides and traffic fatalities don't come anywhere near the deaths associated with these drugs."

Fifteen drug overdose deaths have been linked to carfentanil in Alberta, 14 of which occurred between September and the end of November, the government said.