Bill 47 (The Response to Illicit Drugs Act)
Second Reading

From Hansard (4 December 2025)

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Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to protecting families and communities from the dangers of illicit drugs. Mr. Speaker, the government is dedicating significant resources to assist those who are suffering from addictions. However we also need to take action against people who profit from illegal drug production and trafficking. This Act will achieve this goal through two sets of rules.

The first: the Act will create a statutory cause of action against drug offenders for both the government and individuals who are harmed by drug offenders. This will allow government to recover costs resulting from actions of drug traffickers and producers, such as health care costs.

Similarly individuals who are personally harmed by a drug offender may bring an action against that offender to seek damages. Mr. Speaker, the Act assists these individuals by creating a rebuttable presumption against the drug offender. The onus is on the defendant drug offender to demonstrate that they did not cause harm to the plaintiff.

Secondly, the Act deems certain appointments, grants, or agreements that are made or entered into by government to be voidable if the other party is convicted of a drug offence. The government will have discretion to determine the appropriate action in each case and ensure that drug offenders face appropriate professional and economic consequences for their actions.

Mr. Speaker, this new Act applies specifically to persons who contravene drug production and trafficking offences under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It does not apply to individuals who are convicted of simple possession offences. This approach ensures the Act is focused on those individuals who are profiting from illegal drug trade rather than the individuals who are suffering from addiction.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

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