These numbers come in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by Carla Beck’s team to Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) after hearing reports that tuberculosis cases in the North were being kept under wraps by the Sask. Party government. The FOI data appears to confirm this and the Minister of Rural and Remote Health also confirmed cases when pressed in budgetary estimates Tuesday night.
“This is a very serious disease,” said Keith Jorgenson, Associate Shadow Health Minister. “Keeping this information from the public is not just neglectful — it's dangerous.
“We need a government focused on fighting this disease, not trying to cover it up.”
Tuberculosis is a serious, contagious airborne infection. It has affected northern Saskatchewan communities in particular due to overcrowded housing, limited access to healthcare, poverty, and barriers to early diagnosis and consistent treatment.
“This tired and out-of-touch Sask. Party government has completely forgotten about Prince Albert and the North,” said Leroy Laliberte, Shadow Minister for First Nations & Metis Relations. “Every day, we hear horrible and heartbreaking stories about how Scott Moe is failing to deliver healthcare.
“We’ve heard rumors of these tuberculosis cases for years — the question is why the health authority, which is run by Scott Moe’s buddies, isn’t telling people about these outbreaks?”
The Sask. Party government increased the health budget by a meagre 0.3 per cent in their most recent bad news budget despite the system collapsing.
“I certainly don't recall 22 public health advisories warning Saskatchewan people about these active cases,” said Meara Conway, Shadow Health Minister. “The Premier needs to answer for his refusal to share this essential public health information with the public.
“This is an ongoing and dangerous pattern with this government and their Sask. Party-run health authority, especially when people’s lives are at stake.