Health Canada suspends Prairie Harm Reduction’s supervised drug consumption in wake of financial crisis

Prairie Harm Reduction says it is continuing a detailed review of its finances after discovering a significant shortfall earlier this month.

In a release issued Sunday, the organization said its board and external financial experts are examining PHR’s financial reporting and overall financial status.

A preliminary update from the review is expected in early April.

On March 26, the exemption for PHR to operate Saskatoon’s supervised consumption site was suspended by Health Canada.

The organization says the suspension was not unexpected and that it is working with Health Canada to provide the information needed so the exemption may be reinstated.

“Health Canada closely monitors all supervised consumption sites across the country, reviewing the policies, procedures, personnel, and finances at each site. We are in close contact with Health Canada and actively working to provide the information requested so the suspension may be lifted,” PHR said in the news release.

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According to PHR, the drop‑in centre remains open.

PHR said the board of directors has appointed Emmanuelle “Em” Morin as a transitional support specialist to help oversee day‑to‑day operations while the review continues.

Morin is a former executive director of AIDS Saskatoon and now operates Cambiar Consulting.

Last week, PHR said its board had terminated the employment of its executive director, Kayla DeMong, and assumed operational control.