Premier Scott Moe has suggested his government is moving towards creating a program for involuntary drug treatment. Moe made the comments while discussing new crime statistics showing Saskatchewan had Canada's highest crime rate and violent crime rate last year.Moe said the next major discussion across Canada will be about what he called "compassionate care,” which is forcing people with severe addictions into treatment against their will. Moe said it could apply when people are unable to make their own health decisions due to addiction."If there is a point where individuals have, unfortunately, found themselves in an addictive state where they just simply are unable to make their own short-term healthcare decisions, and that’s where the compassionate care discussion comes around," said Moe.Moe said more details on Saskatchewan's plan will come during the fall session of the legislature. .Government ministers are currently exploring the idea, talking to people with lived experience, families, and support organizations. Moe pointed to similar actions in Alberta, which passed enforced care legislation, and British Columbia, which opened involuntary care beds.This push comes as drug problems rise across Canada. .Moe downplays US trade war as Saskatchewan exports sink 9.4%.In Saskatchewan, this has meant more crime, greater demands on healthcare, and increasing drug overdose deaths.The idea of forced treatment faces significant criticism. When Alberta proposed its program, the Alberta Medical Association raised concerns. .They stated current evidence does not show the benefits of involuntary treatment outweigh the risks. The Canadian Public Health Association also objected, calling such programs coercive and ineffective. .Christian artist Sean Feucht’s tour bus rammed near Montreal.They argued mandatory treatment does not actually reduce drug-related harms.Studies show mixed results, with many reporting negative outcomes or no lasting reduction in substance use. .Critics stress forced treatment often fails to address root causes like trauma, mental health issues, or poverty, leading many to relapse after release.Despite these concerns, Moe said the conversation is happening nationwide. .NHL bars acquitted Hockey Canada world junior players while it reviews sexual assault trial ruling."Where we land in various provinces might be slightly different, but it is a conversation that is happening now," said Moe. Saskatchewan residents can expect specific policy proposals on involuntary drug treatment this fall.
