Supervised consumption site receives support at Saskatoon meeting

A Saskatoon town hall drew more than 150 people and many speakers voiced support for Prairie Harm Reduction's supervised consumption site; organizers said comments will be compiled for Health Canada ahead of the site's exemption renewal.

A town hall in Saskatoon drew more than 150 people to discuss safety concerns and support for the supervised consumption site operated by Prairie Harm Reduction. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half and was held before the site’s annual exemption review with Health Canada. Organizers said the session was recorded and that comments would be compiled and passed on to federal officials. The site's executive director said she generally agreed with what attendees raised and noted the clinic is serving more people than before. Key points: - More than 150 people attended a town hall where many speakers voiced support for Prairie Harm Reduction's supervised consumption site. - Organizers, including Saskatoon West MP Brad Redekopp, said the meeting was recorded and that he will compile comments to present to Health Canada ahead of the site's exemption renewal. - Prairie Harm Reduction reported a 22 percent increase in clients last year and said staff intervened in more than 150 overdoses; the agency also noted more people are gathering near its location than in previous years. Summary: The meeting highlighted both support for the supervised consumption site and safety concerns expressed by nearby businesses and residents. Officials plan to compile and forward the meeting record and comments to Health Canada as the site's exemption comes up for annual renewal.