August 29, 2025 – Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) Minister of Health, Mental Health & Addictions Beverly Fullerton makes a statement regarding the state of emergency on drugs, alcohol, gangs, and violence:

“This past week, Saskatoon recorded more than 80 overdoses in just a matter of days, with experts pointing to carfentanil, one of the most dangerous and lethal opioids known. This devastating reality is not only alarming, it is heartbreaking. Every number represents a life, a family, and a community shaken.

As the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan Minister of Health, Mental Health & Addictions, I cannot remain silent. Last week, we declared a state of emergency on drugs, alcohol, gangs, and violence. This tragic surge in overdoses affirms exactly why we acted. Our declaration was not symbolic, it was a call to urgent action.

This crisis requires all levels of government, law enforcement, health providers, and community organizations to come together. We must move beyond reacting to tragedies and begin building sustainable solutions: culturally grounded healing, prevention and education, stronger supports for mental health and addictions, and safety measures that protect our communities from gang and drug-related violence.

Our people deserve better. Families deserve safety, healing, and hope. We must act now with urgency, with compassion, and with the full recognition that lives are at stake every single day. As such, Elected MN-S leaders from across Saskatchewan will be meeting at the Métis Nation Legislative Assembly on September 5 to discuss concrete actions.”

~Minister Beverly Fullerton
Minister of Health, Mental Health and Addictions
Regional Representative, Western Region 2A