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Compassionate Intervention Legislation for Addictions Treatment Introduced by Sask. Government
The act allows court-ordered treatment for severe addiction cases, shifting from voluntary programs, amid a $427 million deficit and health care pressures, government said.
On Friday, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the long-promised Compassionate Intervention Act on the final day of the fall sitting, allowing involuntary addiction treatment in extreme cases, a spokesperson said.
Faced with health-care strain and a projected $427 million deficit, the government says the act aims to support people with severe addictions who cannot seek help themselves.
Under the bill, people could be taken to compassionate intervention assessment centres by police or via a judge's warrant, a tribunal would decide treatment necessity and duration with appeals to the Court of King's Bench, and involuntary beds would be added beyond the 500 already planned.
The Official Opposition backed involuntary treatment but NDP Leader Carla Beck said it must be a last resort without violating charter rights, while Justice Minister Tim McLeod said it will 'save lives' and Angela McPhee urged stronger options after failing to help her sons.
Because the bill was introduced on the final day of the fall sitting, it cannot pass until at least the spring, and the province says it will consult experts but has no timeline for compassionate intervention assessment centres or treatment spaces.