More than a dozen Saskatchewan children under five died with illicit drugs in their system, according to the latest report from the Advocate for Children and Youth.

Lisa Broda, Advocate for Children and Youth, released her annual report Wednesday. One of the key issues highlighted is the impact of the drug crisis on young children.

The report says that from 2019 to 2025, 13 children under five had illicit drugs in their system at the time of death.

Broda said her office launched the investigation after the Ministry of Social Services reported two deaths and two critical injuries involving children under five linked to fentanyl and methamphetamine.

“Our intent was to gain a deeper understanding of the issue and get ahead of these harms increasing in children who may be exposed to toxic illicit substances,” she said at a news conference Wednesday.

The report also notes many cases where children were seriously harmed by illicit substances.

“We don’t know exactly how it gets in their systems,” she said, noting it could be through inhalation, residue or breast milk.

Broda said the data does not reflect the full number of children exposed in Saskatchewan, as many of those reported live in households with siblings and extended family members, increasing the risk to others.

She noted it can be challenging to collect data across multiple provincial ministries and agencies, and what she receives does not include demographic details that could reveal deeper trends.

“The lack of disaggregated data collection, inconsistencies in reporting processes across child support ministries leaves gaps in knowledge and consequently, gaps in how best to conduct prevention,” she said.

Broda said expanding services for adults who use drugs can help address the issue.

“We need to make sure that we’re having our intervention-prevention services targeted to the adults who are using these toxic illicit drugs,” she said.

The report says that while the investigation focused on illicit drugs, children are also at risk from commonly prescribed medications.

The report also highlights concerns with case management and planning, noting that many complaints involve work that did not adequately address children’s risks and needs.

It said a lack of staff and services is causing delays in assessments, long wait-lists and, at times, failure to meet policy and legal requirements.

“We acknowledge that most frontline staff are doing what they can. However, the system is not producing the best possible outcomes for children,” Broda told reporters Wednesday.

The report also touches on a systemic investigation into case practice and policy compliance within the Ministry of Social Services, Child and Family Programs, and delegated First Nations Child and Family Services agencies.

“Our investigation on this will continue in 2026, and will focus on ministry oversight and support to frontline staff to ensure they have the skills the tools and the resources required to meet their mandated responsibilities to children,” Broda said.

She said the province needs to improve its child and youth strategy by setting clear targets and reporting information in a more coordinated way.

During question period in the legislature Wednesday, NDP MLA Matt Love called the report, “heartbreaking, devastating.”

“These are babies. They’re innocent. And now they’re victims of this horrific drug crisis. What does the premier say to those who know he’s not doing enough to stop the death of innocent children?”

Social Services Minister Terry Jenson responded that any death of a child is a tragedy, and the provincial government takes the issue “extremely seriously.”

“We’re committed to improving existing systems and supports to prevent future harm and we welcome the Advocate for Children and Youth’s report,” said Jenson.

He says the ministry works closely with a wide variety of community partners to address the complex set of social issues that lead to addiction, poor mental health and interpersonal violence.