For immediate release: May 6, 2025
Government Slashes Funding for Lifesaving Pediatric Program, Ignores Pleas from Parents
REGINA – Vulnerable children with permanent hearing loss are being left behind after the Sask. Party government fails to deliver critical supports to the Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC), a vital, government-funded service based in Saskatoon.
Parents express severely limited access to critical follow up care for children with cochlear implants and hearing aids. Experts recommend weekly appointments to prevent long-term developmental delays — yet some families now report being seen only once or twice a month.
“This is more than a failure to deliver — it’s a betrayal of children and families,” said Brittney Senger, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Disabilities and Community-Based Organizations. “There are 182 children in Saskatchewan eligible for this program, but because of the Sask. Party’s cuts, only 52 can now access it. That’s shameful.”
Breanne Arnold, whose daughter was born deaf and received a cochlear implant, says her family is now in limbo. “My daughter needs consistent therapy to develop her speech and language skills. We've gone from semi-monthly sessions to one per month in Regina. I’ve contacted Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill every week for over a month. He hasn’t responded.”
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the government to immediately deliver the supports these parents can’t access and guarantee that every child with hearing loss gets the care they deserve.
“These cuts are short-sighted and cruel,” Senger said. “The Sask. Party isn’t just abandoning these children — they’re turning their backs on Saskatchewan’s future.”
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Pattern Of Failed Bargaining Attempts Mean Workers Leaving For Good And Putting System In Increasing Danger: Roy
NORTH BATTLEFORD – Carla Beck’s team is in Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s own riding today, calling him out for forcing 14,000 desperately needed healthcare workers to vote on a strike as they have gone four years without a contract.
Agriculture Producers Association Of Saskatchewan Says Costs Rising, Farm Share Falling For Saskatchewan Producers
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REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is laying the potential of a fall strike involving thousands of healthcare workers squarely at the feet of Scott Moe and his ignorant Health Minister — who seems to cause strikes everywhere he goes — and demanding immediate action to get to the bargaining table and deliver a fair deal.