Legislative Report
November 17, 2022

Health HR Action Plan Already Seeing Results

Your Saskatchewan Party government is using the benefits of our strong economy to increase investments in essential programs and services. In health care, we will see investment to expand our workforce, perform more surgeries and improve services to rural areas.

Our Health Human Resource Action Plan has already seen success as we work to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health professionals. The positive response started immediately following the announcement of adding over 1,000 professionals to the healthcare system. In the following weeks, we received hundreds of international applications alongside resumes from locally trained professionals. Over 125 new, full-time frontline positions were created, with another 50 part-time spots enhanced to full-time. These new opportunities will support 49 communities across the province.

The recruitment plan also includes local students as the Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to promote the benefits of a healthcare career. HealthCareersinSask.ca has listings for hundreds of jobs from all corners of the province, while recruitment professionals host career fairs to speak to potential graduates.

In support of these efforts, our government has organized a targeted recruitment mission to Manila, Philippines. The team will promote healthcare employment opportunities through workshops and information sessions. As part of this initiative, a new webpage on Saskatchewan.ca/hhr will help potential candidates preregister for sessions with the delegation, learn about other Filipino healthcare workers in Saskatchewan and apply for opportunities.

More frontline staff will directly support our ability to perform more surgeries. This fiscal year we have set an aggressive target of performing 97,000 surgeries which would be the highest number of surgeries ever completed in one year. To help reach this target, we are increasing the surgical capacity in Regina, Saskatoon and at regional hospitals. In addition, we will continue to work with public hospitals and partner with publicly funded private surgical providers.

Improving Supports for Youth

Our government was pleased to announce the selection of The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS) to coordinate and integrate services that will meet the needs of youth aged 12 to 25. Integrated Youth Services is an international reimagining of how youth and their families access the resources, services and support they need. JHSS will create a one-stop shop that provides rapid access to youth-targeted supports with a focus on prevention and early intervention. Services will include mental health support, substance misuse information, peer support, primary care, education, employment and training and social and community services.

Flu Shots Available

The colder weather is now upon us, and residents are encouraged to take steps to support their health this winter. Flu shots are still available through public health clinics, pharmacies and some local health offices. All vaccinations are voluntary, with the ability to receive the COVID-19 shot or booster in one visit. Visit www.4flu.ca to make an appointment or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-829).

In just a few short weeks, we’ll flip the calendar to 2023. The last year has been anything but ordinary; we have faced challenges and celebrated successes. We have an influx of private investment, more jobs than ever, and an economy making news around the world. This success is thanks to folks and businesses who believe in our potential. We are proud of Saskatchewan and look forward to the unlimited potential the future has in store for our great province.