A new drug treatment court has opened to serve the Battlefords and west-central Saskatchewan.
The court held its first sitting in June at North Battleford Provincial Court and expands existing drug treatment courts in Moose Jaw and Regina.
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“Drug treatment courts offer individuals a pathway in recovery rather than incarceration,” said Chief Judge Shannon Metivier of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan.
“This model of therapeutic justice provides an opportunity to address the underlying issues that bring people into conflict with the law and support lasting change that benefits participants, their families and communities.”
Participants must plead guilty to join the program. Instead of going to jail, they complete 12 to 18 months of personalized treatment and rehabilitation. The program includes help with addiction, anger, parenting, education, employment and cultural and spiritual care.
Moving forward together
“The opening of the Battlefords Drug Treatment Court represents another step forward for the strong partnership the courts and province have built to support residents in overcoming addictions and mental-health challenges,” said Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister and Attorney General, Tim McLeod, K.C.
“Together, we can promote proactive and transformative change that gives individuals the skills they need to create a successful and sustainable future for themselves.”
Drug treatment court is one of three kinds of therapeutic courts in the province. Others include mental health courts and domestic violence courts. Mental health courts operate in Regina and Saskatoon. Domestic violence courts operate in Regina, Saskatoon and the Battlefords.
More than 156 people have graduated from drug treatment courts in Saskatchewan since 2006.
Local groups and leaders played a significant role in shaping the new court in North Battleford.
“The Battlefords are full of caring and compassionate leaders,” said Health Minister and Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, who noted the hard work of community members to bring the court to the area.
He believes it will improve the lives of individuals, families and the entire community.
The federal government reimburses Saskatchewan up to $850,000 each year for drug treatment court costs.
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the funding supports recovery and reduces reoffending by helping people access the resources they need, ultimately promoting safer and healthier communities.
The province will spend $624 million on mental health and addiction services in its 2025–26 budget.
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