“What kind of cruel government wakes up one day and decides they’ll make up for the budget shortfall by taking away the parking passes of cancer patients?” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader.
“This decision was cruel and meanspirited, and the Moe government should pass our bill to reverse it today. I know these guys have been in power for 20 years and don’t like being told what to do, but have a heart.”
Bill 615, An Act to amend The Provincial Health Authority Act to Ban Parking Fees for Cancer Patients at Health Authority Facilities, would do exactly what its title states.
The bill, introduced by Shadow Minister for Rural and Remote Health Jared Clarke, would ensure that a health services entity or person operating a facility that has been designated for the care of cancer patients pursuant to section 2-9 could not charge parking fees to patients attending the facility to access cancer treatments.
Former Prince Albert city councilor Dennis Ogrodnick has been leading the charge to restore free parking for cancer patients. Ogrodnick was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2023 and was stripped of his parking pass in 2024.
“This change should be easy,” added Clarke. “We have free parking at Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw, but not at the hospital for cancer patients — that’s right, you can park for free to gamble but not to get cancer treatment.
“Our loved ones deserve the best care we can offer them. They deserve to be able to focus on their recovery, not have to fight with their government over parking passes.
“It’s clearly time for a change.”