Question Period (8 April 2024)

From Hansard (8 April 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week the coroner released updated overdose death statistics, and once again the numbers are staggering. Mr. Speaker, in the first three months of this year, 113 lives were lost due to overdose. That means that every day this year a family has had to hear the news that they’ve lost a loved one.

During the same week that these alarming numbers were released, we also learned that a vital community organization that saves lives has been forced to limit their hours due to this government’s choices.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister realize that his decisions cost lives? When will we see an evidence-based plan to keep people alive?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government has a plan and that plan is focused on getting people the treatment that they need so that they can live healthy and safe lives in recovery. The question addresses Prairie Harm Reduction. Mr. Speaker, our government provides Prairie Harm Reduction with $2.2 million in supports every year and those supports are for outreach. Those supports are to connect individuals to the treatment that they need to help them live healthy lives in recovery.

Mr. Speaker, our plan does not allow room for crack pipes and for instructions on how to use crack pipes. That’s not the plan that our government is following. We’re following a plan that expands treatment spaces, that allows people to more easily access those treatment spaces, and that wraps supports around those individuals so that they can live healthy lives in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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