The official opposition is calling on the government to reform mental health and addictions services by implementing the Children’s Advocate’s recommendations in the report called Desperately Waiting. NDP Deputy Leader Nicole Sarauer says, There are only 25 active mental health beds dedicated to children and youth and they are consistently full. Detox treatment is is under-resourced. Saskatchewan needs more inpatient and outpatient care, particularly in rural areas and the North.”

Sarauer believes kids are falling through the cracks and the provincial government is missing in action. The NDP points out that funding for mental health as a proportion of health spending decreased in the 2022 budget.