The annual report from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth highlighted yet again how the Sask. Party government is failing children in care. According to the report:
- Of the children who lost their lives in care in 2018, 80% were Indigenous.
- 98% of those critically injured were of Indigenous descent;
- Northern Saskatchewan has been experiencing staggering rates of suicide and some children have no access to supports whatsoever;
- This government’s ten-year Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan is not being acted upon.
“There are too many kids in care, and too many kids dying or critically injured while they’re in care,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “When the need to act is so clear, it’s frustrating to see how little has changed.”
“We have been pushing for a suicide prevention strategy, but this government won’t make the meaningful changes people desperately need,” said NDP Social Services Critic Nicole Rancourt. “We hope that this report finally shames the government into the action we know is needed to address the mental health crisis that’s taking children’s lives in Saskatchewan.”