The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced new legislation that could give people the right to sue drug traffickers for harms tied to illicit drug activity. The Response to Illicit Drugs Act was tabled this week, and the province says it is designed to strengthen accountability and improve community safety.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said the Act is meant to hold traffickers responsible for the damage tied to the drug trade.
“We want to ensure that those who profit from the production and trafficking of deadly substances face meaningful consequences here in Saskatchewan,” McLeod said. “This legislation gives government and individuals clear pathways to recover costs and seek damages for harms caused by drug offenders, while ensuring we continue supporting people living with addictions through record investments in treatment and recovery.”
What the Act would allow
The Act creates provincial civil measures that work alongside federal criminal laws. It targets the production, trafficking, importing and exporting of Schedule I substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Simple possession is not included.
If passed, the Act would give individuals who have been harmed by a drug offender the right to pursue civil action and seek compensation. The province would also gain a statutory right to recover costs related to emergency response, health care and other damages linked to drug activity.
The government could also void certain appointments, grants or agreements made with individuals or entities convicted of Schedule I drug offences.
Part of a larger strategy
The province says the legislation is one piece of a broader effort to reduce drug-related harm while expanding treatment access. The 2025-26 budget includes $624 million for mental health and addictions services. The government has committed to adding 500 treatment spaces across Saskatchewan, with nearly 300 already operating.
The Act must still pass through the Legislature before it becomes law.
