Sask. to limit needle exchange

The Saskatchewan government wants to put a limit on how many needles are used in various needle exchange programs in the province.

The change was announced in the legislature Wednesday as part of the speech from the throne.

"This program cannot be allowed to function as a source of unlimited needles," the official text of the speech said of the current needle exchange policy. [The government] will tighten controls around both the numbers of needles exchanged and distributed."

The government said the objective is to create more frequent contact between health professionals and drug users. The change is prompted, in part, by concerns about needles littering parks and streets in Saskatchewan communities.

Premier Brad Wall said he is concerned about the health hazards posed by discarded needles. Reducing the supply of needles might reduce the spread of disease, he said.

However, a government study examining needle exchange programs found they contribute to a reduction in the spread of blood-borne diseases, such as AIDS.

That study suggested the program may save the health-care system $4 million a year.

AIDS group slams move

AIDS Saskatoon issued a news release late Wednesday, expressing disappointment with the government plan. Restricting access to new, clean needles is "a recipe for disaster" that will increase exposure to the hepatitis C virus and HIV, the agency said.

Nicole White, the executive director, said Wall does not fully understand how the needle exchange program works. 

"I wish he could spend a day in our shoes," she said in the release. "AIDS Saskatoon is already struggling to meet the growing needs of the community: why would the Wall government restrict access to new needles, thus increasing chances of exposure to HIV?HCV?"