09-07-2025
Saskatchewan expands drug treatment court to North Battleford
North Battleford, Sask. is seen in this undated file photo.
The province's new drug treatment court in North Battleford is now in session.
According to the province, the first proceeding was held at North Battleford Provincial Court in June and is an expansion of existing drug treatment courts in Regina and Moose Jaw.
The program's expansion is meant to serve the Battlefords and west-central Saskatchewan, the province said.
To participate in drug treatment court, offenders must plead guilty to their criminal charges.
'As an alternative to serving a sentence in custody, participants are instead required to complete 12-18 months of individualized programming with wrap-around services covering addiction, cultural and spiritual guidance, anger management, education, parenting, employment and more,' the province said in a news release.
Since the program began in 2006, the province says drug treatment courts in Regina and Moose Jaw have had more than 156 graduates.
'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,' Chief Judge Shannon Metivier said in the release.
The province says it will be reimbursed from the federal government up to $850,000 each year for costs associated with the operation of the three drug treatment courts.
Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General Sean Fraser said that substance use is a complex social and economic issue.
'When someone is struggling, they deserve support and the right resources. By investing in the Battlefords Drug Treatment Court, 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,' Fraser said in the release.
'This ongoing support for drug treatment courts not only promotes healing but helps build healthier and safer communities.'
Saskatchewan's Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim Mcleod said the opening of the court in the Battlefords is another step forward for the strong partnership that the courts and province have.
'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 said in the release.
