'There is no safe use': Sask. government defends decision to restrict harm reduction measures
The Government of Saskatchewan is defending its decision to restrict funding for several harm reduction measures last month.
The provincial government believes it was sending the wrong message by providing pipes to inhale drugs and supporting needle exchange programs.
“It somehow implies that illicit drug use is safe and it’s not safe. There is no safe use of illicit drugs,” Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Tim McLeod told CTV News.
Needle exchange programs will be required to operate on purely on an exchange base – meaning that used needles will need to be returned in order for any to be provided.
Under the new approach, crack pipes and other associated supplies will no longer by provided through public health funding.
“The model had really drifted from an exchange model to more of a distribution model over time and that was an unauthorized shift so we’re just putting that back where it was originally intended,” McLeod added.
The government’s shift means harm reduction clinics will now have to purchase supplies that were previously publicly funded.
“They were providing us with our needles, with our pipes, our tourniquets, our alcohol swabs, our waters and our cookers,” Executive Director of the Newo-Yotina Friendship Centre Teresa Innis explained.
Regina’s harm reduction clinic is city sponsored. However, the centre will need to change its operations to make do with the loss of funding.
“So we are going to be fundraising but we are also going to be looking at possibly having to scale back our operational hours to compensate for the approximately $2,000 to $4,000 a month that it’s going to cost to replenish supplies,” she added.
Some professionals fear the government is inadvertently getting rid of on-ramps to recovery.
“When they come in to get a pipe we get to ask a lot of questions about whether or not they are ready for recovery and it’s a stepwise approach,” explained pharmacist Sarah Kozusko.
“People don’t just walk in off the street day one and be like you know I’m ready to stop. They kind of need to be taken in slowly into care.”
The government believes the increase in drug overdose deaths in 2023 pointed to a need for a changed approach.
It’s backing its renewed approach up with plans for 500 new recovery spaces and wrap around community supports.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Slovak interior minister says 'lone wolf' has been charged with shooting prime minister
The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a 'lone wolf' has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico.
There's a new workers' rights treaty in Canada, but will it actually protect you?
Although a global workers' treaty has been in force in Canada since January, an employment lawyer believes it won't do anything more to protect employees from violence and harassment.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts
Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Shifting winds mean smokier skies in some parts of Canada, snow in other areas
Air quality warnings are still in place for some areas of Western Canada, according to the latest forecasts.
DEVELOPING Latest updates on the major wildfires currently burning in Canada
Thousands of Canadians have been displaced as fires burn in Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. Here are the latest updates.
Will jurors believe Michael Cohen? Defense keys on witness' credibility at Trump's hush money trial
With prosecutors' hush money case against Donald Trump barreling toward its end, their star witness will be back in the hot seat Thursday as defense lawyers try to chip away at Michael Cohen's crucial testimony implicating the former president.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.
OPINION If you think you can't focus for long, you're right: Sandee LaMotte
Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.
NEW Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip
May 20 is Victoria Day. If you're going across the border this long weekend, follow these tips for a smoother trip.