Question Period (15 November 2023)

From Hansard (15 November 2023)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, new numbers from the coroner’s office paint a picture of the overdose crisis in Saskatchewan. It’s a picture of death and loss impacting so many families: 202 confirmed overdose deaths and 193 suspected and still under investigation. At this rate we will surpass the record number of deaths in 2021 of 403.

These are real Saskatchewan people whose lives matter, hundreds of families whose lives will forever be changed by the death of a loved one. And it doesn’t have to be this way. The government could step up and provide resources that are needed to keep people alive.

When will this government finally bring forward the resources in an evidence-based plan to ensure that 2024 will not be another record-breaking year?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And the plan was announced a couple of months ago now. It’s a five-year plan for mental health and addictions. It’s funded by almost $50 million, Mr. Speaker, and this plan is focused on treatment and recovery of individuals who are battling addiction.

We are more than doubling the number of addictions treatment spaces in this province, Mr. Speaker. We are making it easier for individuals to access those treatment spaces. And when they are in treatment, we are focused on a recovery-oriented system of care, which is meeting these individuals where they’re at, providing them the care that they need so that we can get them on a healthy path to recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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