‘[We] aren’t first responders’: Saskatoon library union calls for action on drug crisis, violence

WATCH: Workers say the closure of two city libraries will give staff a break from the high rate of violence and medical emergencies they deal with on the job.

The union representing Saskatoon library workers said the temporary closure of two local libraries will give workers a much-needed break.

The Frances Morrison Central Library downtown and the Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library have shut their doors until April 13 because of concerns over safety, growing incidents of violence and the overdose crisis.

Cara Stelmaschuk, a representative with CUPE 2669, said library workers can’t provide effective services to the community because they are often dealing with violent incidents and attending to medical emergencies.

Saskatoon Public Library says it has responded to nearly double the amount of overdose or drug poisoning incidents compared to last year.

“Library workers aren’t first responders. They shouldn’t have to deal with medical emergencies. They shouldn’t have to deal with violent people. They should be there to help people read, find books, find information,” Stelmaschuk told reporters outside the Frances Morrison Central Library on Monday.

NDP critic for mental health and addictions Betty Nippi-Albright said the provincial budget did not provide sufficient funding to address mental health and addictions issues. She said more funding is needed for housing, treatment, and social supports.

“They’re failing at their job. They’re putting that pressure on community organizations, grassroots organizations to do the job that they need to do,” Nippi-Albright told reporters.

Last week, the provincial government announced $623.8 million for mental health and addictions services in the 2025-2026 budget. It says that’s a $52.8 million increase from the 2024-2045 budget.

“This government is committed to recovery and getting individuals that may be struggling with mental health or addictions into an addictions bed, into a mental health space, so that they can truly get the help that they need,” Lori Carr, mental health and addictions minister, told reporters after Question Period Monday.

Meanwhile, Mayor Cynthia Block says the city is doing everything it can to find alternative support systems and ensure that no one is left without help.

“We continue to work alongside the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to ensure we deliver the essential services that residents rely on,” Block said in a statement to CTV News.

The Frances Morrison and the Dr. Freda Ahenakew libraries are set to partially re-open April 14 for holds and pickups, and will resume regular service on April 21.