Today, Saskatchewan NDP Health critic Vicki Mowat introduced a bill to repeal the province’s private MRI legislation and focus on getting all patients the care they need, not just those who can pay to jump the queue.
“Saskatchewan people facing serious health challenges shouldn’t be left waiting longer while those who can afford to pay get moved to the front of the line,” said Mowat. “Wait times for MRIs were already ballooning before the pandemic. It got so bad the Sask. Party stopped even reporting wait times last June. It’s time we end this failed experiment with two-tier healthcare and get to work clearing the backlog as quickly and fairly as possible.”
Mowat called on the government to expedite passage of the bill this session, given the urgency of the matter.
“If you need an MRI, you shouldn’t have to wait longer because you can’t afford to pay more to cut in line,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “But even for those who can afford to pay, this experiment is a failure. Everyone is waiting longer under this failed experiment that violates the Canada Health Act — it’s time we bring it to an end.”
The NDP bill includes a transitional provision whereby anyone with a private MRI scheduled would be able to go ahead with the appointment.
Poor working conditions, favouritism, $300K travel nurse pay at issue
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition released a letter signed by 49 emergency room nurses in Saskatoon. The letter slams the Sask. Party government for failing to support Saskatchewan nurses and curb the province’s reliance on expensive out-of-province travel nurses.
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Métis Relations Betty Nippi-Albright hosted a Day of Action with Indigenous leaders from Nekaneet First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation, Key First Nation and the residential school support team from Yorkton Tribal Council. Together, they continue to draw attention to the Sask. Party government’s disregard for the Duty to Consult process.
MOOSE JAW - Today, the Official Opposition stood with Taylor Enns, president of the Moose Jaw Firefighters Association, and Brayden Dutchak, the son of a cancer survivor. Together, they called on the Sask. Party government to reopen Saskatchewan’s only hyperbaric chamber.
Records show former Sask. Party Finance Minister lobbied for Calgary surgery scheme on behalf of a major Sask. Party donor
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition grilled the Premier and his Minister of Health after the Minister misled the public, claiming that he had not been lobbied by a former Sask. Party MLA when Saskatchewan's official lobbyist logs show the exact opposite.