Question Period (9 April 2024)

From Hansard (9 April 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. Every day this year a family has lost a loved one to overdose — 113 people lost to this crisis since January 1st of this year. Overdose impacts everyone in this province; however it disproportionately impacts Indigenous people and our communities. Seventy-five per cent of overdose deaths this year have been an Indigenous person, Mr. Speaker, when Indigenous people only make up 17 per cent of the population.

This is an area where Indigenous people are being failed by this government. When will this minister take ownership of this wrong and implement an evidence-based plan that would save Indigenous lives?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obviously every loss of life due to an overdose is a tragedy. That doesn’t matter what community they come from, Mr. Speaker, or what age they are. Every loss of life is a tragedy and this government takes that very seriously.

And that’s why we are actively working to expand capacity of our treatment facilities across the province, making it easier for individuals to access those treatment facilities, and wrapping supports around them through recovery-oriented systems of care. Those facilities, the 500 spaces that we are quickly expanding to, are appearing in every corner of our province, including Poundmaker’s Lodge, which is located in North Battleford, Mr. Speaker.

And I would like to thank the member for her support of that facility, Mr. Speaker, when she said to CTV News, and I quote:

This treatment centre is from an Indigenous perspective. And as a critic for First Nations and Métis relations, it’s important for me to show support for programming that is being developed here in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan definitely needs this.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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