Question Period (10 April 2024)

From Hansard (10 April 2024)

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 Supports for People with Addictions

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Last week Prairie Harm Reduction announced that due to capacity and funding challenges, they were forced to reduce their hours. This reduction in services will mean that hundreds of people will go without life-saving supports they need when they need it. This decision is directly related to this government’s inability to provide wraparound supports for people with addictions, and it will cost lives.

In the executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction’s own words, I quote, “When the safe consumption site is closed, nobody’s going to be there. And that’s really a scary thing to try to come to terms with.”

Mr. Speaker, does the minister really believe that we can save lives when organizations like Prairie Harm Reduction are forced to deny people evidence-based life-saving services?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said earlier this week when the member raised Prairie Harm Reduction, our government funds Prairie Harm Reduction in the amount of $2.2 million a year, Mr. Speaker. Those funds are going to efforts to address needs in the community, Mr. Speaker. No, they do not go to drug consumption sites because the message that our government is sending to the communities and to the people battling addiction is that there is no safe use of an illicit drug, Mr. Speaker.

We are adding addiction treatment spaces and making it easier for individuals to access those spaces, Mr. Speaker. And that is saving lives, it’s healing families, and it’s strengthening communities across Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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