CARLA BECK CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION, URGENT IMPROVEMENTS IN MATERNAL CARE IN RURAL & NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN FOLLOWING DEATH OF MOTHER, TWIN CHILD

In the wake of two tragic deaths, Carla Beck is calling on Scott Moe’s Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill to examine the crisis caused by a lack of maternal care in rural and Northern Saskatchewan. She is also demanding a full investigation and public release of findings concerning the death of Chelsea Bear.

“We have heard stories of mothers giving birth on the side of highways, and not able to access healthcare where and when they need it as the minister claims he’s putting patients first,” Beck said. “He could truly demonstrate that by launching an investigation today to ensure this never happens again.”

“In the birthplace of Medicare, and where the Treaty rights to health should be honoured and protected, we should have the best maternal healthcare programs in the country. Yet under this minister, we see time and time again service disruptions are occurring, that there is chronic short-staffing and proper resources are not given to the frontlines in Rural and Northern Saskatchewan.”

In a press conference held earlier this week, representatives speaking on behalf of Bear’s family, said they were told to “keep quiet” about the circumstances that led to her death by Saskatchewan Health Authority representatives.

Bear’s family said she went to hospital Aug. 10 in Meadow Lake in a great deal of pain and experiencing bleeding but was sent home without proper care. Bear, a member of Flying Dust First Nation, was 36 weeks pregnant with twins and her pregnancy was considered high-risk. Bear’s pain and bleeding increased, and she returned to hospital next day, was transported to Saskatoon, delivered a stillborn baby and then died. She left behind five children, including the surviving twin.

In the SHA’s own guidelines, it says it is committed to “Address systemic barriers by delivering culturally responsive care that improves equitable access to care for First Nations and Métis peoples.” and further that it acknowledges that, “The adverse impacts that our history has had on past generations and will continue to impact present and future generations to come.”

Last month, Beck's team wrote to Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Ombudsperson and the provincial Ombudsman requesting investigation into multiple reports of maternal care failures. The Health and Justice Ministers were included in the request but never responded.

Beck said the tragic death of Chelsea Bear and disturbing allegations warrant a full investigation and public release of findings and recommendations for improvement to ensure fair and equitable access to care.

“The Scott Moe government has failed this family, they have failed the people of this province, and they have failed to honour and protect the Treaty right to health,” Beck said.

“It’s time for change.”
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