Legislative Report
April 1, 2026

Protecting Saskatchewan means ensuring people can access the care they need. That’s why this year’s provincial budget makes strong, targeted investments in both health care and mental health services, focused on improving access, strengthening our workforce and putting patients first.

Our government is investing a record $8.47 billion in health care this year, an increase of nearly five per cent from last year. This funding supports patients, families and frontline workers, while continuing to advance the Patients First Health Care Plan. The plan includes more than 50 initiatives. To learn more about the complete plan, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/patientsfirst.

This budget includes the largest expansion of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Saskatchewan’s history, enabling more NPs to work directly in primary care and connect residents with consistent, relationship-based care. An $11.9 million investment in Primary and Preventative Care will fund additional independent NP contracts and significantly increase primary care capacity. These measures will help Saskatchewan meet its goal of ensuring every resident has a primary care provider by the end of 2028.

Investments continue in virtual care to improve access for those without a regular provider, helping reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. We are also strengthening hospital and emergency services. Nearly $98 million in new funding will add hospital beds, expand ICU capacity and enhance emergency medical services. This investment also includes continued progress on Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) which are already easing pressure on emergency departments and providing faster access to care. Five more UCCs are planned in Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon.

Work also continues to improve diagnostic services and surgical capacity to reduce wait times. Funding increases for imaging, including CT and MRI scans, along with targeted improvements in surgeries such as spine and joint replacements, will help provide patients timelier access to treatment.

Supporting seniors and individuals with complex needs is another key priority. The budget allocates $9.2 million for new investments in long-term care, home care and community-based programs. These measures expand care options and strengthen capacity at the community level, ensuring people can access the support they need closer to home.

A strong health care system depends on a strong workforce. That’s why our government continues to invest in recruiting, training, incentivizing and retaining health professionals through the Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan. Since 2022, more than 7,500 health care workers have joined Saskatchewan’s system. With an additional $28.6 million in funding, the HHR Action Plan will move into a new phase, building on strong progress already made. This includes expanded training seats, incentives for rural physicians and new career advancement opportunities for nurses and other health professionals. Our government will continue improving patient access by ensuring more family physicians and specialists are available where they are needed most.

Significant investments to increase access to mental health and addiction treatment in Saskatchewan continue. This year’s budget includes a record $673.7 million, an increase of $49.9 million, to improve services and better support individuals and families. These investments will create approximately 200 new addictions treatment and recovery spaces across the province, helping Saskatchewan meet its goal of adding 500 spaces by 2027. More treatment options mean people can access help closer to home and at the right time in their recovery journey.

While we continue adding more spaces, a new secure youth detox facility in Saskatoon will double capacity for young people needing intensive support. The budget also includes a $9.6 million increase to support a Recovery-Oriented System of Care which helps individuals at every stage, from crisis to treatment to long-term recovery. This investment strengthens treatment and recovery by expanding options to better meet the needs of people on their recovery journey.

Funding will also support the first phase of the Compassionate Intervention Act, an addiction treatment model that provides care for adults with severe, life-threatening addictions who are unable to seek help. This year’s budget continues to support the recovery model which recognizes each person’s journey toward sobriety. By meeting patients where they are, whether in crisis, withdrawal management or requiring inpatient, outpatient, virtual or family-based services, care is better tailored to individual needs.

Together, these investments reflect a clear priority: putting patients first. By improving access to care, supporting our health care workforce and strengthening mental health and addictions services, we are building a system that works better for everyone. Protecting Saskatchewan is always our priority, and our government will keep delivering real solutions for the people of our great province.

if you have questions, concerns or thoughts you would like to share, they are always welcome. You can contact my constituency office using the information listed below.