SASK. PARTY FAVOURS U.S. FOR HEALTH SUPPLIES DESPITE “BUY CANADIAN” PLEDGE

For immediate release: March 27, 2025

SASK. NDP WARNS U.S. RELIANCE COULD CLOSE HOSPITALS IF RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED

REGINA – Despite a commitment to stop bankrolling U.S. companies and instead buy Canadian, the Sask. Party government is sourcing most of its healthcare equipment and services from Trump’s United States.

According to a report by the Regina Leader-Post, 3sHealth, which manages procurement contracts for the provincial healthcare system, spent $223 million in 2024 on a range of clinical products, pharmaceuticals, and support services.

Data provided by the Ministry of Health confirms that approximately $122.6 million of this spending — more than half — was directed toward U.S.-headquartered companies, making the United States the largest supplier in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system.

The first “guiding principle” of the Sask. Party’s new policy on capital projects and procurement is supposed to be “prioritize non-U.S. procurement.”

With a new round of tariffs set to be imposed April 2, Saskatchewan’s supply chain for essential medical goods and services could be disrupted, leading to even more hospital closures.

“What happens if Donald Trump closes the border or restricts even more trade tomorrow? Hospitals could shut their doors on people seeking lifesaving care,” said Vicki Mowat, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Health Minister.

“We have less than a week until the second round of tariffs and whatever else Trump throws at us. The Sask. Party should have had a plan to end our reliance on the U.S. medical suppliers months ago.

“They’re asleep at the wheel when they should be focused on the future.”

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