The provincial NDP is echoing the call from Samwel Uko’s family for systemic mental health reform in Saskatchewan, to be initiated by a special legislative committee to examine the mental health and addictions crisis in Saskatchewan.

The inquest has heard that the 20 year old football player from Abbotsford was in Regina visiting his aunt. He sought medical help twice for mental health issues but was forcibly removed from the Regina General Hospital. His body was found in Wascana Lake shortly afterwards.

NDP Deputy Leader, Nicole Sarauer, says the inquest’s findings have been troubling, but not surprising because short-staffing, emergency rooms crises, and systemic racism in health delivery are not new issues.