Question Period (30 April 2024)

From Hansard (30 April 2024)

To view this section on video, click here and start play at 2:27:00 PM.

 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The addictions crisis is devastating families and our communities at alarming rates. Every month the numbers released from the coroners service are even more stark than the last, with news that Regina experienced an alarming number of 280 overdoses just in March alone. That’s 100 more overdoses than reported in the previous months of January and February. This crisis is not getting better, and a policy change that resulted in a 25 per cent increase in overdose deaths in Alberta isn’t going to save lives here.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister realize he made the wrong decision for Saskatchewan and change course to save lives?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said many times, the focus of this government is on treatment and recovery, which is a stark contrast to the NDP government in British Columbia. The member opposite asks about recognizing the error of their ways. Well let’s look to British Columbia and the NDP government there, who are now backpedalling and scrambling, trying to undo the policies that this opposition would have us implement.

I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. We’ll take no lessons from the members opposite. We’ll continue to focus on treatment and recovery and help individuals who are battling addiction find a healthy, safe life in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---

Back to 2023/2024 Session