Question Period (19 March 2024)

From Hansard (19 March 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So far this year we’ve seen 74 families lose loved ones to the overdose crisis — 74 families. Last year 476 families lost a mother, a father, a spouse, a sibling, a friend, or a colleague. So many families are scared and worried that their loved one could be next. The fact is, there are few families left in this province untouched by this crisis. We are in a crisis, and this government is choosing not to listen.

Mr. Speaker, I ask, how many families must go through this senseless loss before the government will listen, listen and implement an evidence-based plan that will save lives?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said before and I will say again, every loss of life due to an overdose is a tragedy. And that’s why our government is focused on treatment and recovery of individuals who are battling addiction.

We are sending the message to these individuals that no illicit drugs are safe. Providing individuals who are battling addiction with crack pipes and instructions on how to use drugs, Mr. Speaker, sends those people the wrong message.

We are focused on treatment and recovery, Mr. Speaker. We are sending the message to these individuals that we value their health and their life and their safety too much to allow them to continue to live in a life of addiction. And the message that we are sending these individuals is that there is hope for recovery and there is help available in treatment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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