The NDP pushed the government for answers as to what their plan was to deal with toxic illicit drug exposure that has led to the death of children under five in Saskatchewan. The information came to light in the 2025 Annual Report from the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth.

Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson says they have worked closely with the advocate in previous years and will continue that work

We have our ministry officials are going to be meeting and discussing this issue with the Advocate. Again this is something we’re extremely concerned about you know with children being exposed to illicit drugs and addressing substance use is a key priority of this government, Mr. Speaker. We’re taking the active steps to address this through our action plan for mental health and addictions.”

The annual report found that between 2019 and 2025 at least 13 children under the age of five died with toxic illicit drugs in their system. As well, there were at least 29 instances where children were treated in hospital for toxic, illicit drug exposures and survived. The report found that nine children between 0-11 months died after exposure to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and/or cocaine, and seven more were hospitalized.