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The head of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association says he’s grateful for the new provincial safety legislation, but wants the province to do more to tackle the root causes of mental health and addiction issues.
The Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Safe Public Spaces (Weapons) Act at the beginning of the month, in a move aiming to regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items that could be used as “street weapons.”
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“Municipalities are at the front line of addictions and mental health crises in Saskatchewan as we continue to lose lives and face challenges to the safety in our community,” said SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau.
“So we definitely appreciate the government’s commitment to addressing the negative impact of addictions, but we do continue to be concerned the measures may push marginalized community members into more unsafe situations.”
Specifically, Nadeau said SUMA would like to see more up-front investment into mental health support, social housing and other wrap-around services.
Nadeau said that would help reduce strain on the health care, policing and corrections systems.
“People don’t choose that path,” Nadeau said of those who fall into addiction and mental health troubles.
“They come into it by way of family dynamics or background or issues they’ve faced in the past, and so once they’re in this vicious circle, it’s very hard to get out of.
“The support services that they require are addiction counseling, mental health services and greater support to secure housing, because studies have shown that the first step into recovery is to feel good about themselves and have a place to call home.”
Nadeau said SUMA is appreciative of the “significant” investment by the province into recovery beds, but said it doesn’t go far enough because not everyone can access them.
Nadeau also commended the province for giving communities the choice to opt in or out of the Safe Public Spaces Act.
“I think that’s valuable, because we know that local leaders have a good understanding of their local realities,” he said.
“To give them the choice to opt in or out of certain legislation is important, because they are on the front line.”
