Question Period (20 March 2024)

From Hansard (20 March 2024)

To view this section on video, click here and start play at 2:12:25 PM.

 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since 2018 nearly 2,000 people have died from overdose in this province. 1,170 of those overdose deaths were First Nations or Métis people. Indigenous people are only 17 per cent of Saskatchewan, but we were almost 60 per cent of all overdoses.

When will we see an evidence-based plan from this government that will stop the harm in Indigenous communities and save lives?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The message that we are sending to communities around Saskatchewan is that no illicit drugs are safe. Mr. Speaker, that’s why we are focused on getting people, all people in Saskatchewan, the treatment that they need to overcome addictions and live healthy lives in recovery.

Mr. Speaker, we have introduced a plan that is expanding addictions treatment capacity across Saskatchewan. We are adding 500 addiction treatment spaces across Saskatchewan. We are making it easier for people to access those spaces, and we are wrapping supports around those individuals, Mr. Speaker, through a recovery-oriented system of care. We know, Mr. Speaker, that by helping people overcome their addictions and by supporting them through recovery we can save lives, we can heal families, and we can strengthen our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---

Back to 2023/2024 Session