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EDMONTON — Premier Rachel Notley has reached across the legislature floor for help taking a hard look at a mental health system that she said “has failed too many Albertans.”

Notley announced Monday that Liberal Leader David Swann will co-chair a mental health review with NDP MLA Danielle Larivee and a member of the public yet to be named.

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Swann, a medical doctor and the Liberals’ sole member of the legislature, said he was “honoured and grateful” to be asked to take part in the review.

The Calgary-Mountain View MLA said that mental health has for too long been the “poor sister” in the province’s health system and there is an urgent need to bolster prevention efforts, support and care for people with mental illness.

“We need to explore all options to overcome barriers to care,” Swann told reporters.

“Too many Albertans end up in emergency departments, the criminal justice system, homeless or committing suicide. This is a situation that requires urgent attention.”