SASKATOON — A union representing Saskatchewan library workers is calling on Premier Scott Moe’s government to quickly address drug addiction issues that are causing violence.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says libraries across the province are doubling as shelters when they shouldn’t be.

Union president Kent Peterson says some workers have witnessed overdoses, and others have lost fingers in machete attacks.

Peterson joined the Opposition NDP at a news conference to call on the Saskatchewan Party government to provide meaningful investment into community services.

Last year, two libraries in Saskatoon temporarily closed due to heightened drug use and violence.

NDP health critic Vicki Mowat says the toxic drug crisis continues to spiral out of control, with Saskatoon’s homeless population larger than what it was a year ago.

“(Library workers) don’t want to turn people in need away, but they are not addictions experts, they aren’t security guards and they aren’t mental health counselors,” Peterson told reporters Tuesday.

“It’s dangerous for library workers and it’s dangerous for library patrons.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press