Question Period (18 March 2024)

From Hansard (18 March 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, hundreds of people have died from overdose in Saskatchewan. Last year we set a new record with 476 deaths. The crisis has claimed the lives of almost 2,000 people since 2018, and a disproportionate number of the people we are losing are First Nation and Métis people. When will the Sask Party stop the harm and come up with an evidencebased plan to address overdoses and save lives?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for the question. Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said many times in this House, our government has a plan, and that plan is focused on treatment and recovery so that we can help individuals who are battling addiction overcome their addiction and live healthy lives in recovery.

To that end, Mr. Speaker, we have announced more than 183 new addictions treatment spaces across Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, we have 15 new spaces at the Thorpe Recovery Centre in Lloydminster. We have 60 new spaces coming in Lumsden, Mr. Speaker; 14 new spaces at the former Drumming Hill facility in North Battleford, now operating as Poundmaker’s Lodge. Mr. Speaker, we have 32 spaces through Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon; 26 addictions treatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan, Mr. Speaker. And we have 36 virtual spaces offered by EHN across the province, Mr. Speaker, so that every individual in this province has easy access to addictions treatment spaces. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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