Question Period (29 April 2026)

From Hansard (29 April 2026)

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Report from Advocate for Children and Youth

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, the report released today by the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth is both heartbreaking and devastating. Thirteen children under the age of five have died after being exposed to illicit toxic drugs. These are babies. They’re innocent, and now they’re victims of this horrific drug crisis.

What does the Premier say to those who know he’s not doing enough to stop the death of innocent children?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Any death or serious injury to a child is a tragedy, and we take that extremely seriously. We’re committed to improving existing systems and supports to prevent future harm, and we welcome the Advocate for Children and Youth’s report, Mr. Speaker.

The ministry works closely with children, parents, caregivers, community partners, as well as other ministries within government to address the complex issues surrounding mental health and substance abuse, interpersonal abuse, violence, suicide intervention and prevention, Mr. Speaker. This is the advocate’s report that we will continue to work on and, you know, to get to a better place so we can protect and ensure the safety of all children in this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

. . .

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, three of the children who died were newborns in their first year on this beautiful planet. The advocate’s report says that children are being exposed to illicit drugs right across the province. There are recommendations from experts on what can be done to stop this crisis and protect our kids.

Will the Premier commit to sitting down with the advocate before spring sitting concludes and reporting back to this House on what he learned and what actions he is going to take? No spin, Premier. Take the meeting. Let’s come together. Let’s save lives.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable children, including newborns, and families is a top priority of this government. Mr. Speaker, we take the Advocate for Children and Youth’s report extremely seriously. We’ve worked with the advocate in the past to make improvements, and we’ll continue to work on those improvements going forward.

Mr. Speaker, this is a commitment from our government that when it comes to ensuring the safety of our children and working with families who are maybe in a vulnerable or in a crisis situation, this is work that we take extremely seriously. And we will be working with the Children and Youth Advocate in the coming weeks.

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