NDP joins mental health and addictions advocates in calling for more funding

According to advocates who came to the Legislature today seeking government action, far too many people in the province who are looking for help with their addictions cannot get it because services are lacking and the wait times for treatment are long.

“We need more than just lip service from the Sask. Party when it comes to providing people the supports they need. We need concrete actions,” said NDP Mental Health and Addictions Critic Danielle Chartier. “Addictions can devastate families, but it’s even worse when those who suffer from them can’t get access to the supports that will help them beat their disease.”

Chartier, along with mental health and addictions advocates such as Dr. Wendy Gore-Hickman, a retired anesthesiologist who is in long-term recovery from a substance misuse disorder, have been calling for the Sask. Party to raise the percentage of health dollars that are devoted to mental health and addictions. Currently, only five per cent of Saskatchewan’s health budget goes to mental health and addictions, but the Canadian average is seven per cent and rising.

“I know of people who have died waiting for a bed. That’s not a reality that we should just come to accept as normal,” said Gore-Hickman. “The solutions and remedies are there, but when people don’t have proper access to them, we won’t get the positive outcomes.”

“Why are we letting Saskatchewan people slip through the cracks because of the lack of mental health and addiction support? At a time when the crystal meth and opioid crisis is robbing families of their loved ones throughout the province, these families are looking to the government to take bold action that recognizes the seriousness of the crisis,” Chartier said.

Latest posts

SCOTT MOE’S HEALTHCARE DISASTER WORSENS AS SURVEY FINDS SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE STRUGGLE MOST TO FIND DOCTOR, NOT CONFIDENT IN EMERGENCY CARE

Nearly Two-Thirds Have No Or Little Access To Primary Care, Have No Confidence In Emergency Care
SASKATOON – Shocking new data released Thursday morning found nearly two-thirds of Saskatchewan people have no or limited access to a doctor — the worst rate in Canada — and the same number are not confident they would receive timely care in the event of an emergency.

CARLA BECK TALKS TO YOUNG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS ABOUT BUILDING A FUTURE IN SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Touts New Project To Deliver Change For Young People At YourFutureYourSay.ca

SASKATOON – Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck spent the morning Thursday speaking with young agricultural producers about building their careers, businesses, and raising their families right here in Saskatchewan.

SCOTT MOE FAILS TO ADDRESS MASSIVE CRIME WAVE IN PRINCE ALBERT

Violent Crimes rises 10% While Failing Premier Sits On His Hands

PRINCE ALBERT – The Saskatchewan NDP is demanding that Scott Moe and Public Safety Minister Michael Weger step in with emergency action to address the shocking levels of crime in Prince Albert.

SASKATCHEWAN NDP LAUNCHES ‘YOUR FUTURE, YOUR SAY’ PROJECT FOCUSED ON KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE IN SASKATCHEWAN

Provincial Population Declining For First Time In 20 Years As Young People Flee Province Amid Cost-Of-Living Crisis, Healthcare Disaster
REGINA – Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP have launched an ambitious new project focused on delivering solutions to challenges faced by young people to draw them to stay here to build their career and raise their families.