Moe declared during the interview that there would be a “very open discussion” about “a different way” of providing healthcare in 2026, adding, “we’re seeing some of it in Alberta.”
In Alberta, Danielle Smith is moving to American-style, two-tier healthcare that would allow the establishment of private health insurance, and open the door to allowing private payment for medically necessary care.
“The Sask. Party has driven public healthcare into the ground — it’s worse than ever,” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader. “Now, they plan to tear it apart and sell it off piece-by-piece to people who can afford to shell out tens of thousands of dollars for care.
“Well, guess what? People in Saskatchewan are in the middle of a devastating cost-of-living crisis. They’re stacking on debt just to put food on the table and shelling out millions for Sask. Party taxes and rate hikes on everything from groceries, to clothes to power bills.
“Now, they’re going to make people pay for healthcare — it never ends with these guys. They waste money, wreck public services and then force everyday Saskatchewan people to pay the price.”
Moe’s comments to Rebel came in the wake of his refusal to join the Saskatchewan NDP in a joint letter to the Federal government urging them to uphold the Canada Health Act. The Premier also failed to make a simple commitment that he would not pursue privatization of healthcare in Question Period on Dec. 2.
“We have hospitals closing without warning and emergency rooms that are overrun with patients forced into hallways to wait days for care,” said Meara Conway, Saskatchewan NDP Health Shadow Minister.
“More people than ever don’t have a family doctor and this government’s recruitment plan has failed. Meanwhile, this government is firing competent frontline healthcare leaders for speaking truthfully.
“Money is being wasted left and right, and, at the centre of it all, are Scott Moe’s own campaign cronies running the health authority into the ground.”
The Canadian Medical Association has warned that Alberta’s proposed privatization will result in “more people waiting longer” and worse health outcomes. A review of the privatization of Alberta’s lab services found that it cost taxpayers $125 million, compromised patients with performance issues, and created increased wait times and diagnostic errors.
Conway urged the public to get loud and tell Scott Moe they won’t settle for his plan to sell public healthcare in Saskatchewan off to the highest bidder.
“Let’s be crystal clear about what Scott Moe is proposing,” she said. “He is proposing to do what the Canadian Medical Association warned, making patients wait longer and then pay twice for healthcare – once through their taxes and then again with their credit card.”
The Saskatchewan NDP is continuing to consult with people in the province on the need for big, bold change within a public healthcare system. Conway said that more privatization schemes have not been proposed by a single healthcare provider or patient with whom the Saskatchewan NDP has met.
“It’s the opposite,” Conway said. “The people of Saskatchewan are proud of Medicare and they want to see bold changes within a strengthened public healthcare system.”
Consultations are ongoing and people are welcome to provide input at YourCareYourSay.ca.
“Medicare is part of who we are and we will not allow Scott Moe to kill it in the province of its birthplace,” Beck said.
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