Saskatchewan might force people into drug treatment. But will it work?
Drug laws in Saskatchewan are undergoing significant changes, as the province ramps up efforts to combat the use and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The new measures aim to empower law enforcement agencies to seize assets, suspend licenses, and make arrests more easily.
One of the key proposals being considered is the introduction of involuntary treatment, following the example set by Alberta. This would involve detaining drug users against their will, forcing them to undergo detoxification and treatment. Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister, Tim McLeod, expressed interest in this approach and emphasized the need to closely monitor Alberta’s legislation on involuntary treatment.
Alberta plans to invest $180 million over three years to establish two involuntary drug addiction treatment centers. However, public health experts in Saskatchewan have raised concerns about the effectiveness of this model. Barbara Fornssler, an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Public Health, highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying causes of substance abuse, such as trauma and lack of resources, for long-term success in tackling addiction.
A recent review conducted by the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine examined 22 studies on involuntary treatment worldwide. While some studies reported positive outcomes in terms of retention and reduced substance use post-treatment, others found negative or no significant effects.
In contrast to involuntary treatment, offering drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration or fines has shown promise. While the Criminal Code doesn’t allow for mandatory drug treatment, courts can suggest it as an alternative to custody, with the threat of imprisonment if treatment is not completed. Saskatchewan announced hefty fines of up to $1 million for those caught handling or distributing meth or fentanyl, with the option to reduce fines significantly if offenders undergo addiction treatment.
Critics, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, argue that trading fines for mandatory treatment doesn’t truly offer individuals a choice. Harini Sivalingam, the director of the equality program at CCLA, likened it to swapping one form of confinement for another and emphasized the importance of genuine choice and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
Moreover, the government plans to revoke provincial licenses for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses, including driver’s licenses, firearms permits, and hunting and fishing licenses. While the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, opposition leader Carla Beck stressed the importance of addressing the drug crisis to safeguard communities.
According to recent federal data, over 47,000 Canadians have lost their lives to toxic opioids since 2016. As Saskatchewan and other provinces continue to evolve their drug laws and enforcement strategies, the focus remains on finding holistic solutions to combat addiction and protect public health.
