For immediate release: April 23, 2025
Expecting Her Third Child, Saskatchewan NDP MLA Hits The Road To Talk Unreliable Obstetric Care, Rural Hospital Closures, And Healthcare Cuts
SASKATOON – Today, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Rural and Remote Health Meara Conway launched the Time to Deliver tour.
Conway, who is expecting her third child, is visiting northern and rural communities to highlight how the Sask. Party’s healthcare cuts are threatening maternity wards, emergency rooms, and other essential services.
“As a mom of two with a third on the way, I know how critical it is to have reliable healthcare close to home when you need it,” said Conway. “Saskatchewan is the birthplace of Medicare. Our hospitals shouldn’t have to go on bypass because we don’t have enough staff.”
“Unless the Sask. Party reverses its cuts to healthcare, the service closures and pressure on our system will only get worse.”
Data received through Freedom of Information requests shows obstetrical departments in Saskatchewan were closed for more than 500 days between August 2019 and May 2024.
Emergency and acute care services across the province were closed for 3,966 days over the same period.
Laboratory, diagnostic imaging, MRI, CT, and surgery departments have also closed in recent years.
Primary care is no better, with too many going without a family doctor.
“Reliable access to quality healthcare is absolutely essential to making a bright future for all communities in our province,” said Conway. “Anytime a hospital service closes, it puts even more pressure on surrounding communities and our major urban centres.
“The Sask. Party needs to stop taking our rural and northern communities for granted and keep our hospitals open — this is critical to our future.”
For the first leg of her tour, Conway will make stops in North Battleford, Shellbrook, and Prince Albert later today.
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