Resolutions

Whereas mental health and social service needs in Saskatchewan communities are increasing at an unprecedented rate, placing significant strain on local resources; and

Whereas the Government of Saskatchewan is increasingly downloading responsibilities for mental health and social services to municipalities, without providing adequate funding; and

Whereas municipal governments are not equipped with the financial capacity or specialized expertise to manage these essential services independently; and

Whereas insufficient provincial support for mental health and social services contributes to worsening social issues, including homelessness, addiction, crime, and strain on public safety resources.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to increase provincial funding for mental health supports and social services to alleviate the downloaded burden on local resources; and

Further be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to commit to ongoing collaboration with municipalities on the deployment of mental health and social services resources in communities, to ensure the delivery of these services is both sustainable and effective in addressing community needs.

Acts affected: None

Sectors/Regions affected: ALL 

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your letter regarding the adopted resolutions from Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's (SUMA) 120^th Annual Convention

The 2025-26 Provincial Budget allocates a record $624M for mental health and addictions, including a $20M increase to improve access to services in Saskatchewan. This supports the Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions 2023-2028, which aims to enhance service accessibility, coordination of care, timely treatment, and transition to a recovery-oriented system. The plan includes adding 500 addictions treatment spaces over five years, more than doubling the current capacity.

As of April 1, 2025, 221 of the 500 addiction treatment spaces are operational, including 32 intensive outpatient spaces in Saskatoon. Initiatives to combat drug-related harms include supporting Overdose Outreach Teams, operating a Provincial Drug Alert System, improving access to opioid agonist therapy, and distributing free Take Home Naloxone kits at 457 locations. Additional measures include drug checking services, addressing prescription drug misuse, and providing addictions medicine training for physicians.

Thank you for your voice of Saskatchewan's communities and municipalities and for advocating for the most vulnerable in our province.

Sincerely,

Terry Jenson

Minister of Social Services