CARLA BECK’S TEAM DEMANDS FIRED HEALTHCARE WORKERS FROM SHUTTERED AGENCY BE REHIRED IMMEDIATELY TO ADDRESS ONGOING CRISIS ON SASKATOON STREETS

Hundreds Will Be Left Without Supports, Healthcare Workers That Could Help Left On Sidelines

SASKATOON — Carla Beck’s team is demanding 126 critically needed frontline healthcare workers who lost their jobs after their agency was shuttered be immediately rehired to assist with the overwhelming healthcare, drug and homelessness crisis in Saskatoon and right across the province.

The closure of Prairie Harm Reduction (PHR) last week has left 126 employees out of work.

“We can’t afford fewer frontline healthcare workers,” said Betty Nippi-Albright, Shadow Minister for Mental Health & Addictions. “These incredible individuals provided housing services, mental health supports, addictions treatment and other critical programs and assistance.

“We are here today demanding these incredible individuals be immediately rehired by the Saskatchewan Health Authority or Ministry of Social Services so they can get right back to doing the lifesaving work they do day in and day out.”

On Monday, Nippi-Albright and Shadow Labour Minister Nathaniel Teed joined several PHR workers and representatives from Service Employees' International Union West (SEIU-West), who represented 76 of the PHR workers.

“The bottom line is Community Organizations like PHR are facing too much instability when it comes to government funding,” said Graham Mitchell, SEIU-West. “And who suffers at the end of the day because of that? Saskatchewan residents and the workers who care for them. We need to stabilize this sector, and a big part of that is locking down stable, multi-year funding that can't be cut at the drop of a hat because of political games.”

Nearly a person a day died as a result of drug overdose or poisoning in Saskatchewan last year. Saskatoon has seen homelessness surge by 251 per cent since 2022 to more than 2,000 people.

As well, Saskatchewan reports the longest waits for mental health supports in Canada — an average of 46.7 weeks from referral to treatment.

“We’re here today with frontline workers who are ready and willing to do the work,” Teed said. “Scott Moe and the Sask. Party made a decision to close Prairie Harm Reduction with no backup plan to support vulnerable people and save lives.

“That’s not leadership. Healthcare here has been driven to last place — not only can Scott Moe not be trusted to fix it, it doesn’t even look like he’s trying anymore.”

Carla Beck’s team is continuing consultations to deliver big, bold change in Saskatchewan healthcare should they form the next Saskatchewan government. People are encouraged to get involved and have their say at YourCareYourSay.ca.

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