Question Period (14 November 2023)

From Hansard (14 November 2023)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, new numbers from the Saskatchewan Coroners Service show the terrible toll that the overdose crisis is taking on communities across Saskatchewan. So far this year 202 overdose deaths have been confirmed by the coroner and 193 are suspected and still under investigation.

We’re only in the middle of November, Mr. Speaker, but at 395 total deaths we’re on track to beat what was once a record of 403 deaths set in 2021. These aren’t just numbers, Mr. Speaker. They’re people — parents, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters — lost to an overdose crisis that is growing out of control.

When will this government finally bring forward an evidencebased plan to stop the harm ripping through our province?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank my friend for the question. Our government recognizes that mental health and addictions is a very serious concern, not just in Saskatchewan but across the country. And that’s why we have unveiled a five-year plan for mental health and addictions. It’s a plan that is going to see more than double the number of addictions treatment spaces in this province.

But it’s not going to stop there, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to make it easier for individuals who might be struggling with addiction to access those spaces. And when they’re in those spaces, we are going to focus on recovery and treatment so that these individuals can live healthy lives beyond their addiction, in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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