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Saskatchewan 2024 provincial election

Responses are arranged according to the date we received them. The first response received in each party appears at the top of that section.

Saskatchewan United Party individual candidate responses
Rose McInnes – Weyburn-Bengough
Erin Nicole Spencer - Batoche
 Date: October 17, 2024 at 4:37:53 PM PDT
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Saskatchewan Election
From: Weyburn-Bengough Candidate

Hi Cheryl,

Thank you for your email.

You can find our policies on education at saskunited.ca/policies as well as additional information on our video and media page. Watch some of the videos with our leader Jon Hromek or listen to the podcasts. I know you’ll find what you’re looking for and more

We thank you for caring about healthcare in Saskatchewan. We are looking to improve the delivery of healthcare in all areas, It is one of our top priorities.

After reading our platform please let us know if you have any specific questions we can try to answer for you.

Best regards

Office of Rose McInnes
Sask United Party
saskunited.ca
Date: October 24, 2024 at 1:20:30 PM PDT
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Saskatchewan Election
From: Batoche Candidate

Dear Cheryl,

Thank you for your email and for highlighting the critical issues surrounding arthritis care in Saskatchewan. We agree that our healthcare system is in crisis, with long wait times, inadequate access to services, and a shortage of medical professionals.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. We believe that the current mismanagement of healthcare funding has severely impacted the delivery of care for those living with arthritis. This is why we have developed a detailed blueprint for change, which you can review at saskunited.ca https://www.saskunited.ca/platform

Our Commitment to Arthritis Care:
  1. Audit and Streamline Healthcare Systems: We will conduct a thorough third-party audit of all healthcare systems to identify inefficiencies and ensure funding is directed where it's most needed. By streamlining operations, we can enhance the quality of care.
  2. Increase Healthcare Workforce: We are committed to increasing the number of medical school seats and residency spots in Saskatchewan. Our targeted recruitment strategy aims to attract healthcare professionals from across Canada. We will also help cover education costs for those who commit to serving in our province.
  3. Enhance Access to Care: We recognize the urgent need for innovative models in healthcare delivery. To address this, we will introduce the Saskatchewan Integrated Healthcare System (SIHS), which will harness the expertise and efficiency of the private sector. This initiative will enable non-government clinics to establish facilities and provide tailored services that meet the unique needs of local communities, all while remaining publicly funded through government contracts to ensure universal healthcare access. By fostering competition and choice in healthcare, we aim to improve the overall quality of care and reduce wait times for specialist visits, such as patients with inflammatory arthritis. This approach will ensure that every citizen receives the world-class medical care they deserve, while also addressing the pressing demand for timely access to specialists.
  4. Culturally Appropriate Care for Indigenous Peoples: We need to reduce the size of government to free up funds and increase efficiencies. By giving back regional autonomy and decentralizing government, we empower local boards, connected to their communities, to address local issues more effectively with a cultural understanding of the unique needs in their communities.
  5. Immigration Policy Adjustments: We plan to set reasonable limits on immigration to ensure that our province can adequately support new arrivals without overwhelming our already stretched systems. While we value the importance of welcoming newcomers, it is crucial that we do so responsibly. Helping others is commendable, but we must be in a position to provide the necessary support effectively. Prioritizing the well-being of both current residents and newcomers is essential for sustainable integration.
  6. Timely Joint Replacement Surgeries: The above steps will help to ensure that wait times for surgeries align with medically recommended guidelines, prioritizing those who need it most.
We believe that taking these steps is essential for improving the lives of the over 200,000 Saskatchewan residents living with arthritis. Our healthcare system should be a priority, and we are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure that all citizens have access to high-quality care.

Thank you for your advocacy on this important issue. Together, we can work towards a healthcare system that meets the needs of all Saskatchewan residents.

Sincerely,

Erin Nicole Spencer
Sask United Candidate