Saskatchewan Government Activates Emergency Response to Toxic Drug Crisis in Saskatoon

Image Credit, Mostafa_Meraji

SASKATOON – The Government of Saskatchewan has activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) to address the rising number of drug overdoses in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is coordinating the response alongside the City of Saskatoon and the Ministry of Health.

SPSA President Marlo Pritchard stated that the activation aims to improve coordination between government ministries and organizations responding to the crisis. “This approach will help us reinforce the work being done to save lives across the province,” he said.

The province has taken several steps to address the crisis, including increasing the distribution of naloxone kits in Saskatoon. Free Take Home Naloxone Kits are available at more than 450 locations across Saskatchewan.

In February, the government introduced additional measures targeting the supply and distribution of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine, aiming to curb both production and street trafficking. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr emphasized that addressing the issue requires a focus on treatment and recovery. Saskatchewan’s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, announced in 2023, seeks to add at least 500 new addiction treatment spaces to the province’s publicly funded healthcare system, with 221 of those spaces now operational.

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block urged residents to remain vigilant. “Now more than ever, it is crucial that we support one another during this challenging time,” she said, thanking provincial authorities for their efforts.

Residents can sign up for free provincial drug alerts to receive warnings about elevated overdose risks. The Ministry of Health also encourages organizations to submit overdose and drug sample information to improve public safety alerts.