Despite the Sask. Party government’s ongoing claims that it is expanding treatment spaces and supporting frontline resources, overdose numbers have continued to climb in recent months.
RPS data further notes that 21 people have died in Regina from overdoses since January."
“This data speaks for itself. Overdoses are rising, and lives are at risk,” said Leroy Laliberte, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addictions.
“This is not a new problem. The Sask. Party government has had nearly 20 years to get a handle on the addictions crisis. We need immediate, decisive action—but instead, they continue to shift responsibility onto frontline workers who are already stretched thin.”
The situation in Saskatoon is just as urgent after it was reported that the Saskatoon Fire Department responded to 680 overdoses in April alone. This surge follows the closure of Prairie Harm Reduction on April 9, a loss that has had a significant ongoing impact on overdose prevention efforts in the community.
“The fact that this government can see more than 1,000 overdoses in a single month across our two largest cities and fail to act urgently is deeply concerning,” Laliberte added.
In an interview Tuesday morning, Premier Moe noted how important “access points” are for those seeking treatment or recovery, pointing to the Regina Urgent Care Centre as one of these options.
“Our own Premier has stated that if you can’t get a treatment bed, you can seek help at the urgent care facility,” Laliberte said. “This is a facility that the government has failed to properly staff and they can’t keep the doors open for the hours they’re supposed to.
“People need real action, accessible resources, and immediate solutions — not more empty words. It’s time for change.”
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