Saskatchewan restricts needle exchange, makes changes to harm reduction funding
The Saskatchewan government says it will no longer fund some harm reduction measures for illicit drug users and will place limits on needle exchange programs.
On Thursday, the province announced the end of provincial support for programs that provide a safe supply of pipes for inhaling drugs.
"We're realigning these services to ensure that the message that we're sending is clear and consistent, which is specifically that there's a path to recovery here. And for those who have yet to walk that path, there is help available through treatment. ,” addictions Minister Tim McLeod told CTV News.
The distribution of the pipes, intended to encourage individual use and prevent disease transmission, will no longer be funded by the Ministry of Health or the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
"The provision of pipes for smoking, methamphetamine and crack cocaine is something that's sending the wrong message to the people that we want to help these ... it's condoning or otherwise normalizing illicit drug use," McLeod said.
Saskatchewan will also require needle exchanges to operate on an exchange basis, meaning used needles must be returned before more are provided.
The provincial government's release said the new rules will get back needles that can be "littered in communities" or improperly disposed of.
"Unfortunately in recent years, we've seen those needle exchanges drift away into more of a distribution model, which was not an authorized shift. It just sort of happened over time through through the providers," McLeod said.
Many experts disagree with such restrictions, arguing that adding barriers to sterile needle access can lead to increased rates of blood-borne illness and HIV transmission.
"You know, it's not about funding illicit drug use, it's about keeping people alive. And in this province, we already have the highest rates of HIV transmission in Canada," said Prairie Harm Reduction director Kayla Demong.
"The very little control we're able to keep on this situation, it's just going to explode. And it is directly related to our homeless population, our Indigenous people of this province, and people that aren't welcome anywhere else," Demong said.
In its news release, the province said any savings that result from the program cuts will be put towards "enhancing needle pickup services."
"Needle exchanges will be required to provide this service in the communities in which they operate," the news release said.
Two key overdose prevention measures were left untouched by the Saskatchewan government.
The province said the distribution of free, life-saving naloxone kits will continue, and test strips for fentanyl and benzodiazepine contamination will still be available.
In announcing the changes, the province pointed to a Fall 2023 pledge to add 500 addiction treatment spaces to Saskatchewan's health care system.
The government also touted its new drug alert system that sends text message warnings when toxic batches of drugs are suspected to be in circulation.
--With files from Keenan Sorokan
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.