Question Period (5 March 2024)

From Hansard (5 March 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, last year set another record for the highest number of overdoses ever recorded — 477 people lost to overdose in this province. Hundreds of families whose lives have been changed forever due to the preventable loss of a loved one.

This is a crisis, and yet we see no evidence-based solutions coming from this minister. When will the minister finally bring an evidence-based plan forward to save lives and ensure that we aren’t breaking another record in 2024?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said before, every loss of life due to an overdose is a tragedy, and I extend my condolences to those family and friends of individuals who have been impacted by overdoses and drug toxicity and addictions across our province, Mr. Speaker. And that is exactly why this government has introduced a mental health and addictions action plan. We introduced it last October. The members opposite know that very well.

And that plan is focused on treatment and recovery, Mr. Speaker, so that individuals who are battling addiction not only have more addiction treatment spaces available, they have an easier path to access those addiction treatment spaces. And we will be providing a recovery-oriented system of care, Mr. Speaker, that provides the wraparound supports that individuals need so that we don’t have those overdoses anymore. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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