Government documents finally released today show that seniors across Saskatchewan are suffering under the Sask. Party's refusal to properly support seniors care.
“The reports show that there are seniors in care in Saskatchewan being left wandering through the hallways of care homes that are in desperate need of repair,” said NDP Health Critic Danielle Chartier. “The Sask. Party blew through billions in surpluses and the Rainy Day Fund during nearly a decade of record resource revenue and now, instead of fixing the problem, they're threatening even more cuts. Our seniors didn't cause the Sask. Party's billion dollar deficits so they shouldn't be forced to pay the price for Sask. Party mismanagement, scandal, and waste.”
The documents finally released by the Sask. Party today are the 2016 reports of CEO tours of long-term care facilities. Understaffing and the consequences of underfunding in both infrastructure and services were reoccurring themes across the province.
Dr. Ryan Meili, the NDP candidate for Saskatoon Meewasin, added that when seniors don’t get the long-term care they need, they are pushed into a health care system that Sask. Party cuts have stretched to the breaking point. Primary care centers have been shut down and hospitals are overcrowded. Just last month, the South-East clinic in Saskatoon was closed, placing even more burden on emergency rooms and hospitals at peak capacity.
“The Sask. Party has already cut 70 frontline health care workers in Saskatoon and nearly a hundred across the province. The lack of adequate staffing means that frontline workers are run off their feet. In the end, patients end up suffering,” Meili said. “The reports identified short staffing as a problem in facilities such as Central Haven, St. Joseph's, and the Saskatoon Convalescent Home. It’s frustrating to watch our seniors -- men and women who worked hard their whole lives to build our province -- not get the care they need.”
REGINA—Saskatchewan New Democrats unanimously approved a solidarity motion with the people of Ukraine, as well as all Saskatchewan people with friends and family in the region at Provincial Council on February 26, 2022.
REGINA—The Saskatchewan New Democrats set the rules and timing for a leadership contest at Provincial Council on February 26th. The new leader will be elected at a leadership convention in Regina in late June, 2022.
All Saskatchewan New Democratic Party members in good standing will be eligible to vote online or by mail-in ballot.
Standing with New Democratic Party candidate Melissa Patterson in Moose Jaw Wakamow today, NDP Leader Ryan Meili called on voters in his hometown to reject Scott Moe’s plan for dangerous cuts during a pandemic.