Province’s drug court position heartens mayor

Saskatoon’s mayor says he is pleased that the provincial government is open to the idea of creating a drug treatment court in the city, days after more than 30 local advocacy groups called for one.

“We have a lot of people hurting ... and it just makes sense for everyone,” Charlie Clark said of the program, which he characterized as one step toward solving Saskatoon’s drug crisis.

“It’s a very positive sign of progress on something we badly need to make progress on,” Clark added, referring to what has been described as a crystal methamphetamine crisis on city streets.

During a recent news conference at which the Community Safety and Well-being Partners group called for the alternative court, Clark spoke candidly about witnessing a drug overdose on a police ride-along.

Global News reported Tuesday that Saskatchewan Justice Minister Don Morgan was open to making changes “sooner rather than later,” comments he reiterated Wednesday in an interview with the Saskatoon Starphoenix.

Similar programs in Regina and Moose Jaw have had “reasonably good success,” but first the groundwork must be laid to ensure similar

supports for people going through the program in Saskatoon are in place, Morgan said.

“We want to make sure we do it right and do it properly,” Morgan said, adding that while there is no timeline in place and no money allocated in next year’s budget, the aim is to work quickly.

The voluntary program available in Regina and Moose Jaw is not meant for people charged with serious or violent offences. Eligible offenders are required to plead guilty and then follow a yearlong “interdisciplinary treatment program” that, if completed, is factored into deferred sentencing.

Morgan said around 90 people have completed the program since its inception.

Clark said he did not know why Regina got a drug treatment court 13 years before Saskatoon but said the important thing now is to move forward.

“I’m happy to see the provincial government now taking that seriously and responding … There’s a lot of people trapped in the cycle of addictions that we need to get out, to reduce the harm on themselves and the harm that’s happening to the community.”