Question Period (6 March 2024)

From Hansard (6 March 2024)

To view this section on video, click here and start play at 2:19:15 PM.

 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, there were a record-setting 477 people who died by overdose last year, preventable deaths that have impacted hundreds of families and thousands of people across our province. We see this crisis in our biggest cities and in our smallest towns. This government isn’t investing in evidence-based solutions; instead they’re taking the supports away that keep people alive.

When will the Sask Party come up with a plan that will prevent overdoses and save the lives of Saskatchewan people?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And of course this government has a plan that was . . . explained the plan to the opposition members many times. That plan is to protect lives in this province, Mr. Speaker.

We have a plan to treat addictions, to avoid overdoses, Mr. Speaker. It’s our mental health and addictions action plan. It has been rolled out since October of last year, and we’re already expanding capacity for addictions, Mr. Speaker, so that individuals who are battling addiction have more treatment spaces available, they have an easier path to get to those addictions treatment spaces, Mr. Speaker. And when they’re there, we’re wrapping around supports for those individuals so that we can provide recovery-oriented systems of care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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