Battlefords substance use treatment court recently held first sitting in North Battleford Provincial Court
The Canadian government has announced that it is providing a maximum of $850,000 per year through the federal justice department’s drug treatment court (DTC) funding program to support Saskatchewan’s government and courts in operating DTCs.
Established in 2023, Justice Canada’s funding program has most recently enabled the Battlefords Drug Treatment Court to open, serve the Battlefords and west central Saskatchewan, and expand the DTCs beyond those in Regina and Moose Jaw, according to a news release from the federal government.
“By investing in Drug Treatment Courts, we are strengthening our justice system and helping people get the care they need to recover, break the cycle of drug use, and prevent criminal reoffending,” said Sean Fraser – member of Parliament for Central Nova, Canada’s justice minister and attorney general, and minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – in the news release.
“The opening of the Battlefords Drug Treatment Court means more people in our region can get the help they need to break the cycle of substance use and build a better future,” added Buckley Belanger, MP for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River and secretary of state (rural development), in the news release.
Through the funding, Canada said it seeks to help eligible adult offenders whose crimes relate to substance use break the cycle of addiction through treatment rather than punishment. The news release explained that DTCs aim to blend justice and healthcare.
“Substance use is a complex social and economic issue,” Fraser said. “When someone is struggling, they deserve support and the right resources. This ongoing support for drug treatment courts not only promotes healing but helps build healthier and safer communities.”
“Addiction shouldn’t be a life sentence,” Belanger added, expressing pride for Canada’s support of this vital initiative.
Battlefords sitting
In June, the Battlefords drug treatment court conducted its first sitting in the North Battleford Provincial Court, according to a news release from the provincial government.
“The opening of the Battlefords Drug Treatment Court represents another step forward for the strong partnership that the courts and province have built to support residents in overcoming addictions and mental health challenges,” said Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s justice minister and attorney general, in the news release.
“Together we can promote proactive and transformative change that gives individuals the skills they need to create a successful and sustainable future for themselves,” McLeod added.
Shannon Metivier, chief judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, noted that DTCs like the one in Battlefords offer eligible individuals the option of recovery instead of incarceration.
“This model of therapeutic justice provides an opportunity to address the underlying issues that bring people into conflict with the law and support lasting change that benefits not only the participants, but their families and communities,” Metivier said in the news release.
According to Saskatchewan’s news release, participants in DTCs should plead guilty to their charges and finish 12–18 months of individualized programming in lieu of serving a custodial sentence.
The programming includes services covering addiction, cultural and spiritual guidance, anger management, education, parenting, and employment. The news release explained that the programming aims to enable participants to address their issues, maintain sobriety, and rejoin their communities.
Saskatchewan’s news release shared that the Moose Jaw and Regina DTCs have produced more than 156 graduates since the initiative started in 2006.
“This model has been successful in southern Saskatchewan for almost 20 years, and the Provincial Court is very pleased to now expand the reach to the Battlefords and surrounding communities,” Metivier said.
Saskatchewan noted in its news release that it is investing $624 million in mental health and addiction services through its 2025–26 budget. Apart from DTCs, the province’s therapeutic court models include its mental health courts in Regina and Saskatoon and its domestic violence courts in Regina, Saskatoon, and the Battlefords.
