Lori Carr’s stunning admission came as the Saskatoon Fire Department issued a new warning Wednesday after responding to more than 100 overdoses in the city over the previous week.“We have a Sask. Party government that, after 18 years, doesn’t even have a clue what the job is, let alone how to take real action to address the drug crisis plaguing Saskatchewan communities and claiming so many lives,” said Betty Nippi-Albright, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Mental Health & Addictions.
“We asked their minister how many people were on waitlists for addictions treatment for a full week before she admitted to reporters that she had no clue,” Nippi-Albright added.
On Wednesday, Carr told reporters that some people seeking treatment apply to multiple facilities and, therefore, she would be incapable of cross-referencing records and coming up with a number. The Minister suggested a new central intake system being developed for addictions treatment might allow for better tracking; however, the Official Opposition found records of the Sask. Party promising such a system nearly two years ago.
“Two years ago they promised to clean up this mess,” Nippi-Albright said. “They have failed over and over and now we’re paying the ultimate price with the death of so many people.”
At least 270 people have died of drug overdoses in Saskatchewan this year to end of October.
“My heart breaks for mourning families who have lost so much and I know so many of these deaths were preventable,” Nippi-Albright said.
“Saskatchewan, we need a government that cares, that will deliver on the promises it makes and that takes real action to get people lifesaving treatment. That’s the future we deserve.”
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