A recent report revealed that individuals seeking in-patient addiction treatment in Saskatchewan may face wait times of up to six weeks, according to data from the Ministry of Health. This data contradicts statements made by Lori Carr, the province’s minister of mental health and addictions, who previously claimed that the government did not have information on wait times.
The obtained documents provide insights into the average wait times at various adult in-patient facilities in the province dating back to the 2022-23 fiscal year. The discrepancy between Carr’s assertions and the documented wait times has raised concerns among critics. Betty Nippi-Albright, the NDP’s critic for mental health and addictions, criticized Carr, stating, “[Carr] doesn’t have a clue.”
Despite efforts to obtain clarity from the Saskatchewan government regarding the conflicting information, CBC News received no response. Nippi-Albright emphasized the importance of timely access to treatment for individuals struggling with substance-use disorders, highlighting the critical need for immediate assistance.
The data revealed regional variations in wait times for addiction treatment across Saskatchewan. While some facilities, like the St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Île-à-la-Crosse, have no wait time for in-patient treatment, others, such as the St Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan, have a median wait time of six weeks.
The government has pledged to enhance treatment capacity, with a promise to open 500 new treatment beds by 2028 as part of its mental health action plan. However, as of July 31, 2025, only 221 of the 500 promised beds were available. Carr recently announced an increase in the number of new treatment beds to 281.
Efforts to add more treatment beds are ongoing, with the government soliciting proposals to expand capacity. Carr highlighted the importance of the centralized intake system in recording waitlist and wait-time data, emphasizing its significance in improving access to mental health and addiction services.
The centralized intake system, introduced in the province’s mental health action plan, aims to streamline the referral process for patients seeking mental health and addiction services. The government is working towards implementing this system in the upcoming year through a phased approach.