Despite “Strong and Steady” Message, Throne Speech Leaves Saskatchewan Healthcare on Shaky Ground.
On October 27, 2026, the Saskatchewan government began the third sitting of the thirteenth legislature with a Speech from the Throne centred on the theme of “a strong and steady Saskatchewan.” While the speech highlighted the province’s accomplishments and plans for the future, including healthcare initiatives, it overlooked one glaring issue: retaining the healthcare professionals Saskatchewan already has.
“While we are pleased to see an increase in seats for health sciences programs at educational institutions, without a fair deal at the bargaining table, there is no real strategy to recruit and retain those new graduates,” says Karen Schmid, president of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS).
“The government’s plan includes more mental health and addictions spaces and more acute care beds, but it does not adequately address the healthcare professionals needed to support that expansion,” Schmid explains. “Saskatchewan is struggling to staff facilities at their current capacity due to stagnant wages, staff turnover driven by chronic understaffing, and a lack of market supplements for hard-to-recruit professions.”
Like other healthcare unions in the province, HSAS has been engaged in a lengthy, ongoing bargaining process with the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO). This prolonged process has contributed to wage stagnation for healthcare professionals across the province.
“If the Saskatchewan government is truly committed to improving patient care and expanding services across the province, it must also commit to providing Saskatchewan healthcare professionals with a fair deal. Recruiting and retaining enough workers is essential to supporting the healthcare system,” Schmid states.
“Expanding scopes of practice and adding beds will accomplish little if there aren’t enough passionate, skilled professionals available to provide care to Saskatchewan residents. Saskatchewan healthcare workers deserve a fair deal at the bargaining table.”