Health Canada suspends supervised consumption site exemption in Saskatoon

Health Canada suspended the exemption for the only supervised consumption site in Saskatoon after Prairie Harm Reduction reported a significant financial shortfall; the site is closed while the exemption remains suspended.

Health Canada suspended the exemption allowing Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) to operate a supervised consumption site in Saskatoon, and the site is currently closed. The decision followed PHR's announcement of a significant financial shortfall and the dismissal of its executive director. PHR says its drop-in centre and other programming remain open. The organization is working with external financial experts and is in contact with Health Canada. Key points: - Health Canada suspended PHR's exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. - The supervised consumption site in Saskatoon is closed until the suspension is lifted. - PHR reported a significant financial shortfall and removed its executive director. - PHR is conducting an external financial review, expects a preliminary report in early April, and is providing information to Health Canada. Summary: The suspension has paused supervised consumption services at the Saskatoon site while other PHR programs continue to operate. PHR expects a preliminary financial report in early April; timing for lifting the exemption is undetermined at this time.