Sask. Party spikes suicide prevention strategy bill, NDP vows to continue to push for action

Today the Sask. Party government voted down Bill No. 618 — The Saskatchewan Strategy for Suicide Prevention Act, which had been introduced by NDP Critic for Northern Affairs Doyle Vermette in November.

“I’m at a loss,” said Vermette. “So many lives in our province, particularly in the North, have been devastated by the death of a loved one because of suicide. Many of those people joined us here in the Legislature to call on the government to act. How am I to explain to those families this government’s unwillingness to do what is so badly needed right now?”

Between 2005 and 2019, more than 2,200 people in Saskatchewan died by suicide. Vermette has twice introduced bills calling for the government to implement a suicide strategy, but this is the first time the NDP has been able to force the measure to a vote. Sask. Party members voted unanimously against the measure.

In May, the Sask. Party released a document purporting to be a suicide prevention strategy, with no additional funding attached, that advocates dismissed as “a travesty” that was wholly inadequate to save lives.

“With this cynical, partisan move, the Sask. Party has truly let down the families who have pushed for real action on this issue,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “You would think after the death of Samwel Uko - and the pain expressed by his family - that this government would recognize that now is the time to act. There’s no excuse for foot-dragging and inaction — it’s time for a government committed to improving mental health supports for Saskatchewan families.”

Latest posts

KEVIN WEEDMARK REFUNDS TAXPAYERS FOR JOURNALISM GRANT HIS PAPER RECEIVED

KEVIN WEEDMARK REFUNDS TAXPAYERS FOR JOURNALISM GRANT HIS PAPER RECEIVED The Moosomin-Montmartre MLA Continues Hiding From Media As Questions Grow

REGINA – Today, more questions about embattled MLA Kevin Weedmark have been raised following the release of an article from Grasslands News about his privately owned and operated newspaper, The World Spectator.

BRIGHTON RESIDENTS LEFT IN THE DARK: CARLA BECK'S TEAM CALLS OUT MLA KEN CHEVELDAYOFF OVER PHANTOM SCHOOLS

SASKATOON— Carla Beck's team, joined by local Brighton resident Dr. Sarah Chomicki, is calling on Scott Moe to fulfill his government's broken promises and immediately get to work on a neighborhood school for the rapidly growing community of Brighton.

NEW DATA SHOWS THAT SASKATCHEWAN HAS THE HIGHEST CHILD FOOD BANK USAGE IN CANADA

Beck Commits To School Nutrition Program, Doing All She Can To End Child Poverty
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is sounding the alarms on new data showing more children in Saskatchewan are forced to rely on the food bank than anywhere else in Canada.

CARLA BECK GOVERNMENT WOULD RESTORE DIRECT-TO-LANDLORD RENT PAYMENTS AS MOOSE JAW FACES RISING HOMELESSNESS

More Affordable Housing, Rent Control Also Part Of Plan Being Developed By Beck’s Team
MOOSE JAW – Carla Beck’s team is in Moose Jaw today committing that, should they form the next provincial government, her team will restore direct-to-landlord rent payments for Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) and Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) clients.

NDP Caucus Office