Canadian government signs 2 bilateral agreements with Saskatchewan for healthcare

The Government of Canada and the province of Saskatchewan have announced the signing of two significant bilateral agreements aimed at injecting over $560 million in federal funding to improve healthcare services in the province.

 

In a joint statement, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, the Honourable Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan's Minister of Health, and the Honourable Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health, unveiled the details of the agreements that promise to reshape the health care landscape in Saskatchewan.

 

The first agreement dubbed the "Working Together Agreement," will see the federal government allocate close to $391 million to support Saskatchewan's three-year action plan. This plan is designed to enhance access to family health services, acute and urgent care, and to modernize the health care system with digital tools and data. Key initiatives include expanding the Saskatoon Chronic Pain Clinic, growing the Virtual Triage Physician program, and creating new acute care beds in Regina and Saskatoon hospitals.

 

In addition, the agreement aims to bolster the health workforce by recruiting new healthcare workers, offering retention incentives, and increasing clinical placements to support the expansion of post-secondary training seats. It also seeks to expand culturally appropriate mental health and substance use support through various outreach programs and specialized care initiatives.

 

The second agreement, known as the "Aging with Dignity Agreement," will provide approximately $169.3 million to support Saskatchewan's five-year action plan. This plan focuses on enabling residents to age with dignity, whether at home or in a long-term care facility. It includes enhancing home and community care services, improving palliative care, and strengthening the quality of long-term care services.

 

Both agreements include commitments to measure progress against targets, which Saskatchewan will report on annually. They also emphasize collaboration between the federal and provincial governments to improve health information management, streamline foreign credential recognition for health professionals, and uphold the Canada Health Act.

 

Importantly, the agreements acknowledge the need to address disparities in Indigenous health outcomes. Both governments commit to meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners to support access to quality and culturally-appropriate health care services.

 

Minister Holland emphasized that these agreements are tailored to Saskatchewan's unique needs and focus on providing better health care for the people of the province. Minister Hindley expressed gratitude for the federal funding, which will build on provincial investments to meet the growing health needs of Saskatchewan. Minister McLeod highlighted the commitment to supporting seniors in living safely and comfortably in their communities.