New Sask. legislation targeting drug traffickers takes effect

A new act targeting the province’s response to “the harms caused by illicit drug production and trafficking” in the name of community safety takes effect today.

As of June 1, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act, came into force in Saskatchewan.

According to a release from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Act “establishes new legal tools that allow government and individuals harmed by illicit drug activity to recover costs from those involved in the production, trafficking, importing or exporting of highly addictive drugs.”

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The legislation does not apply to simple possession offences.

Through the Act, the province can void certain appointments, grants and agreements if a person or entity is convicted of specific Schedule I drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Schedule I offences include fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, morphine, codeine and other highly-addictive drugs.

“These provisions give government discretion to determine an appropriate response in each case,” the province said in a release.

A civil cause of action has also been created, allowing people or the government to bring a legal claim against “anyone who has caused harm through illicit drug activities,” according to the province.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said bringing this legislation into force means the province is ensuring that people profiting from “trafficking deadly substances face meaningful consequences for the damage they cause.

“Drug traffickers cause real and lasting harm to individuals, families and communities across Saskatchewan,” McLeod said.

He added that the province is continuing to address mental health and addictions concerns with greater treatment options and more recovery support in Saskatchewan. In the 2026-27 provincial budget, $674 million was set aside for mental health and addictions services “to expand treatment capacity and continue the province’s transition to a recovery-oriented system of care,” according to a government release.

The release also reported that more than 330 new addictions treatment spaces, out of the province’s commitment to add 500 such spaces, are now operational.

“Bringing the legislation into force builds on Saskatchewan’s broader approach to addressing addictions and public safety,” the province stated.