The Saskatchewan government introduced legislation Thursday allowing involuntary treatment for people with severe addictions who are found to be unable to seek help despite serious health and safety risks.
The Compassionate Intervention Act would establish a court-supervised process for families, medical professionals, or law enforcement to initiate treatment for adults facing life-threatening substance use.
“Individuals struggling with addiction need our support on their path to recovery,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “They need a safe space, support and compassionate intervention. We are focused on meaningful long-term recovery for Saskatchewan residents.”
Currently, addictions treatment for adults in Saskatchewan requires voluntary participation. Existing legislation does not support addiction intervention.
The proposed model would allow family members to request treatment for a loved one through Provincial Court. Law enforcement can also intervene if a person’s substance use puts their own life or the lives of others at serious risk.
Individuals may only be brought to a Compassionate Intervention Assessment Centre by police or peace officers, through medical professional referral, or via judge’s warrant. The assessment centre would stabilize and evaluate individuals within 24 hours.
A panel comprising a legal chair, an addiction specialist, and a community representative would review evidence and determine whether someone meets the legal threshold for either in-patient or out-patient treatment. Free legal representation would be provided at all stages.
“By investing in compassionate care for those struggling with severe addiction, we are not only saving lives, but we are strengthening families, communities, and the future of our province,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said.
“Every person deserves the chance to heal, rebuild and thrive.”
The legislation differs from existing Complex Needs Facilities, which provide medically supervised support for up to 24 hours for people detained by police under The Summary Offences Procedure Act. Compassionate Intervention targets people requiring longer-term help with complex substance use problems.
The act includes protections similar to The Mental Health Services Act and The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act. Individuals with capacity to make their own decisions retain the right to refuse treatment, though lack of engagement in out-patient orders may lead to reassessment.
The government says the system is being designed with input from Indigenous stakeholders to ensure cultural safety and trauma-informed care.
Treatment will be rolled out in a phased approach with eventual locations across the province. After treatment, patients would be connected to existing services including in-patient treatment programs, out-patient and virtual programs, and transitional recovery supports such as safe housing, peer groups, and ongoing aftercare.
The government plans to pass legislation “as quickly as possible so that those in need of compassionate intervention can receive it in a timely manner.”