CARLA BECK’S TEAM DEMANDS ANSWERS ON TREATMENT SPACES, WAIT TIMES

Regina Issues A Second Overdose Warning As Three People Die, 29 New Overdoses Reported Over Weekend
REGINA – Scott Moe and his failing Minister for Mental Health & Addictions refused to answer basic questions about critical, lifesaving treatment spaces for people suffering from drug addiction, even as the Sask. Party moves to pass legislation with major flaws and people continue to die of overdoses.

On Monday, another drug overdose warning was issued for Regina, the second in less than a week, as three people died of suspected overdoses and 29 calls were record related to overdoses over the weekend alone.

“People are dying and the Premier refuses to answer basic questions,” Carla Beck said Tuesday. “The Premier and his Minister would rather play political games to cover for their failures while the drug crisis overwhelms our communities.”

Asked multiple times during Question Period Monday, neither Moe nor Minister Lori Carr would give a clear answer on how many vacant treatment spaces there are currently in Saskatchewan nor would they provide an updated figure on the wait times facing people voluntarily attempting to get help.

In the fall, Carr repeatedly denied that wait times for addictions treatment were tracked centrally, until the news media revealed a freedom of information request showing the average wait was six weeks.

“We have legislation before the House right now that would force people involuntarily into treatment — what good is that if there are literally no treatment spaces?” Beck said. “This is a Sask. Party government that is focused on making it look like they’re taking action to address the drug crisis, rather than actually doing something.

“It’s a sorry excuse for leadership and further proof that it’s time for change.”

Even before the rash of weekend overdoses in Regina, April has seen a horrific rise in the number of calls responded to by frontline emergency services — 441 in Saskatoon and Regina alone between April 1-21.

“We know that the Sask. Party has failed over the course of 20 years to invest in frontline supports,” said Betty Nippi-Albright, Shadow Minister for Mental Health & Addictions. “Instead, they have downloaded the responsibility onto municipal governments and refused desperate pleas from those on the frontlines.

“Now, people are dying nearly every day — and, still, we see nothing from Scott Moe and his Ministers to save lives.”

Nippi-Albright intends to introduce a series of amendments to Moe’s Bill 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act, after consulting broadly with stakeholders.

As well, Carla Beck's team is calling on the government to present a clear and costed emergency plan that includes:

Expanded treatment capacity
New supportive housing units
Real partnership with municipalities

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