Sask. provides new drug checking devices for harm prevention sites in Saskatoon and Regina
CBC
Two harm reduction services, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina, have a new tool for checking the toxicity of drugs.
Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers can identify what is in a drug and alert users of any contaminants.
The Saskatchewan government provided the devices to Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) in Saskatoon and The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina. Both provide spaces where people can safely consume drugs in the presence of medical support, and now will also be able to test those drugs.
"People can bring in their substances and we take a tiny bit and it goes on to the machine, which is hooked up to a computer that has a database filled with thousands of substances, and it analyzes the substance and tells you what is in it," said Kayla Demong, executive director for Prairie Harm Reduction.
Demong said the machines will reduce the risk of drug poisoning, and provide users education and a better understanding of what is in the drugs they are taking.
"We're continuing to see ever-increasing numbers when it comes to drug poisoning here in the province and knowing that fentanyl continues to be integrated into all sorts of drug supply here, creating a risk for poisoning and death," she said.
The drug checking devices arrived earlier this year. Getting the test is free and anonymous, and results are available within about 10 minutes.
Demong said the testing also allows staff to identify trends in contaminants showing up in drugs in the community.
"Everything we're testing comes back positive for fentanyl at this point, including crystal meth," she said.
She said PHR is currently providing testing services to people who access the safe consumption site, but hopes to offer the device to the larger community.
Once the drugs are tested, it's up to the individual whether to use them or not, regardless of what the results are.
"Someone brought in some substances and what came back in the test was that it was cement powder. There weren't actually any substances in it, so they were mad."
Emile Gariepy, the harm reduction manager at the Friendship Centre in Regina, said testing allows a user to know how strong or weak a substance is. If something is contaminated with fentanyl, knowing how strong it is can inform how much they should be taking to avoid an overdose.
The Friendship Centre in Regina is providing testing to people outside of the consumption site as well. Gariepy said people partying on the weekend can come to get their drugs tested to find out if they are contaminated.
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation had a 24 per cent increase in thefts across all retail stores in the province during the first quarter of 2025, according to numbers provided by the Crown corporation.
Nine years old might seem too early to retire but for Marielle the poodle — New Brunswick's first court service dog — that's 63 in human years.
Toronto police are investigating after Jewish prayer scrolls were removed from three condos in North York on Thursday.
Scott Gillingham is entering an election year. Wab Kinew has another full year to prove he can govern effectively before he faces voters as well.
A 23-year-old single mother from Prince Albert says she has been living in pain from her wisdom teeth for more than three years.
Doreen Freeland used to be what's known as a “land girl” in Britain during the Second World War. She was one of thousands of women recruited to work in orchards and on farms to help keep food production going while men went off to fight.
According to McMaster researchers on aging, walking speed could be considered a vital sign of sorts for seniors.
The Windsor Public Library’s most-borrowed books of 2025 reflect the growing popularity of celebrity book clubs and a growing interest in “romantacy,” according to one public service librarian there.
An election, a Blue Jays World Series run and a plane crash.
Summer clothes. Shoes for children. Baby diapers.
For Islanders looking to get outside more this winter, trail groups say the colder months are actually one of the best times of year to explore Prince Edward Island’s outdoor spaces.
Updates to the air passenger bill of rights appear stuck on the tarmac more than two years after the federal government promised changes — something that may come as unwelcome news for Canadian air travellers facing their own delays.
This First Person article is the experience of Kristine Thoreson, who lives in Calgary. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.