Sask. passes measures for involuntary addictions treatment

A new law will allow involuntary addiction treatment in extreme cases via court, medical or police referral, with safeguards and voluntary follow-up support.

The Saskatchewan government passed the Compassionate Intervention Act on Tuesday, allowing for involuntary addictions treatment in certain extreme cases.

The province says the legislation is intended to support people with severe addictions who are unable to seek help on their own despite serious health and safety risks.

“We have individuals who are a harm to themselves, a harm to others, who don’t have the capacity to actually make that decision to get the treatment that they need, and they have family members and loved ones that have tried to get them that help,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr told reporters Tuesday.

“We’re hoping through this process we can truly get individuals that don’t have that capacity the help they need.”

Under the legislation, family members can apply through the courts to have a loved one assessed for treatment through a judge’s warrant. Police may also intervene if a person’s substance use is considered a serious risk to themselves or others.

“This is not a jail,” Carr said.

“It’s a different set of circumstances where we look to get individuals the help that they need to get into a life of recovery.”

The first Compassionate Intervention Assessment Centre will be located in North Battleford, along with the involuntary inpatient unit at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.

The legislation has faced criticism from the Opposition NDP, which proposed 17 amendments to the bill that were voted down Tuesday.

“We understand that in the most severe cases where people who are in the throes are actively a danger to themselves, a danger to the public, however that needs to be with proper supports and protections in place and it also has to be a lost resort,” said NDP Leader Carla Beck.

The NDP has repeatedly concerns about the province’s partnership with the privately-owned Edgewood Health Network to deliver treatment.

Beck also said the bill doesn’t make up for other shortcomings, such as a lack of voluntary treatment beds and a failure to consider prevention.

“Our team will continue to work with the people of this province, this was too important,” Beck said.

“This vote on this bill was not the last step. We will continue to advocate for better to address issues of mental health and addictions [and] public safety in our province.”

The act is set to take effect in the fall once fully finalized