Statement by Official Opposition Critic for Mental Health and Addictions Doyle Vermette

With the shocking news that Saskatchewan saw more than one overdose death per day in the month of January, the NDP Critic for Mental Health and Addictions Doyle Vermette released the following statement:

"Every overdose death in our province is a tragedy. No parent or family member should lose a loved one to addiction. We know that last year already doubled the highest year on record for overdose deaths in our province - and this year looks like the toll in lives will be even more severe.

Addiction takes a heavy toll on our communities and on families. That is why it is so frustrating that the Sask. Party government seems content to ignore this crisis instead of coming forward with a clear and comprehensive strategy to eliminate the wait times for detox and treatment. The overdose crisis has spiralled out of control on this government’s watch. The status quo is not acceptable.

Saskatchewan needs an evidence-based strategy to tack our opioid and crystal meth crisis, focusing on awareness and harm reduction. We need it now. We need real treatment options in our major centres, but also in Northern, remote and rural communities as well.

The overdose crisis is real and it is everywhere in our province. Not to act is to accept more deaths and more tragedy.”

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