What Saskatchewan’s new throne speech means for the Battlefords

Hawtin said the address also reflected several issues the city has raised in recent years, from safety programs to long-term housing supports.

Addictions and complex-needs care

Among the most significant announcements for the region was a plan to expand complex-needs facilities — spaces designed to help people facing addictions or mental illness get treatment instead of jail time.

Hawtin said that approach could help vulnerable residents who “don’t belong in prison cells,” giving them access to supports that don’t currently exist in the Battlefords.

Battlefords MLA and Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said the province and city are in early discussions about possible locations.

“We’ll continue working with the city to find a location that meets zoning requirements and that will be acceptable in the community.”

He said the Battlefords are well suited for the project because of existing health infrastructure, including Saskatchewan Hospital and other treatment services.

Cockrill said similar facilities in Saskatoon and Regina have shown success, with more than 90 per cent of people connected to treatment programs within a day of arrival.

The minister was referring to the 24-hour stabilization period those facilities provide. During that time, people in crisis receive medical care and assessment before being connected to longer-term treatment or community supports.

The plan is linked to the government’s proposed Compassionate Intervention Act, which would make treatment mandatory for people whose addictions pose a danger to themselves or others.

The throne speech stated: “Individuals whose addiction is creating a threat to themselves, and others will be required to enter an addiction treatment program, ensuring they get the help they need while keeping our communities safe and secure. Giving someone struggling with addiction more drugs is not the answer.

Following the speech, questions were raised about whether involuntary treatment programs are effective for people struggling with addiction. Cockrill said the goal is to reach those unable to seek help on their own.

“Will there be controversy? Yes, there’ll be controversy at the end of the day,” he said.

“I think we can all agree however people might think about different treatment approaches that Saskatchewan might be taking, or other provinces might be taking. We want to meet people where they’re at but then we don’t want to just leave them there.”

“We want to help them and get them back to being in good relationship with their families, being a functional member of their community. And that’s what really this is all about.”

He said the initiative works alongside the province’s new Response to Illicit Drugs Act, which targets those who traffic or supply toxic substances.

Policing and repeat offenders

The Response to Illicit Drugs Act and the broader focus on treatment and enforcement are meant to support front-line police.

The commander of the Battlefords RCMP, Insp. Ryan How said those measures could help relieve pressure on officers, many of whom deal daily with people affected by addictions or other complex needs.

He added that repeat offenders remain a serious challenge. “They’re a massive drain on our resources,” he said.

The Battlefords detachment currently has 544 active warrants covering 1,263 charges, with 899 people under release conditions — a workload How called “astronomical.”

How said officers aren’t calling for more people to be jailed but want to see consequences for those committing repeated violent offences.

“There needs to be a serious consequence where they’re removed from the community to allows the community time to heal and recover from some of their damage,” How said.

He emphasized that the figures reflect a wider trend, not a uniquely local crisis, and credited local officials and partner agencies for being proactive in responding.

“The Battlefords area is really doing an excellent job, with support of mayors, councils and chiefs, in looking at ways to suppress violent crime,” he said.

Hawtin, who co-signed a letter this summer with Cockrill, Justice Minister Tim McLeod and Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie urging Ottawa to act on bail reform, was quoted in the throne speech for her remarks on repeat offenders.

“We really want those violent repeat offenders dealt with and taken off our streets and out of our communities,” the letter said, quoting Hawtin. “We’re not asking for more people in prison. We’re asking for the right people to be in prison.”

On that note, the Liberal government tabled legislation Thursday to make it harder to get bail for a variety of offences, including vehicle theft, extortion and breaking and entering.

Cockrill said he’s “cautiously optimistic” about the reforms, calling them a positive step for public safety.

Health services and prevention

The province also reaffirmed its plan to establish an urgent-care centre in North Battleford. Cockrill said consultations are underway with local physicians to determine the location and services.

“Having an urgent care centre in North Battleford will give people — maybe their issue is not life-threatening, but it’s still urgent — and it’s important for them to see someone sooner than when they might be able to get into a doctor or a nurse practitioner,” Cockrill said.

“[It] will be really important in terms of providing better access to care for patients in our community and in our region.”

Hawtin said the city’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan shares the same focus on prevention and early intervention. The local strategy, she said, aims to invest in “upstream solutions so that downstream we don’t have the negative outcomes for individuals or the community in general.”

How said any additional tools available to police and the RCMP in the Battlefords area to address complex needs are “really welcome.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

What Saskatchewan’s new throne speech means for the Battlefords

Addictions and complex-needs care

Policing and repeat offenders

Health services and prevention

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