Question Period (6 May 2024)

From Hansard (6 May 2024)

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 Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The addictions crisis in our province continues to take lives. Later this week the coroner will release new overdose numbers that will show what we already know. This is a crisis out of control. Last year we set a record for overdose deaths, Mr. Speaker. We’re on track to set another record this year.

This government touts its treatment-oriented model of care, but you can’t check into treatment if you’ve died of an overdose. How many, how many more months of record deaths will it take before the Sask Party changes course and provides the evidencebased supports people need to stop the harm?

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said before and I will say again, every loss of life due to an overdose is a tragedy. And our condolences are extended to every family that’s impacted because we know that addiction reaches beyond just the individual, Mr. Speaker, and it impacts families and communities as well.

We also know, Mr. Speaker, that the best way to prevent overdoses is help individuals overcome those addictions, and we are doing just that with our action plan on mental health and addictions, Mr. Speaker. We are adding 500 addictions treatment spaces. We are making it easier for people to access those spaces. And we are giving people the services and supports that they need through recovery-oriented systems of care to ensure that they can live healthy, safe lives in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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