Sask. legislation targets severe addiction with compulsory care

New legislation allows people deemed a danger to themselves or others to be held in secure treatment until they recover. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The Saskatchewan government has introduced legislation aimed at helping people with severe addictions who are no longer able to seek treatment on their own.

Justice Minister Tim McLeod said the goal is to reach those “in such a complex state that they are not able to make a healthy choice.”

If passed, the law would allow for involuntary addictions treatment at secure facilities.

“The legislation will allow for the individual to be referred to involuntary treatment as a result of a decision from a panel that will be struck,” McLeod said.

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The criteria for involuntary treatment would apply to people with a history of drug overdoses, frequent interactions with first responders, repeat visits to emergency rooms, significant mental or physical deterioration, or behaviour that puts themselves or others at risk.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said facilities offering involuntary treatment will differ from voluntary centres.

“It’s involuntary, so different safeguards will need to be put in place,” she said.

“People can’t just leave, so the facility would need to be set up as secure.”

Kindersley mother Angela McPhee, who lost both of her sons to addictions — one in 2017 and the other this past March — supports the move.

“There was nothing there to allow me to help my son,” McPhee said, adding she pursued addictions counselling and mental health services in multiple forms.

She added that she pursued addictions counselling and mental health services in multiple forms and believes involuntary treatment is necessary.

“What’s the alternative? We sit back and have more people die?” she said. “

We all complain because they’re breaking into places, they’re stealing. Well, then let’s help them. It’s not going to stop by doing nothing.”

The government says it cannot force people into recovery, but hopes the legislation will give severely addicted individuals the stability needed to eventually make that choice themselves.