Questions raised about Saskatchewan health care discussion

Premier Moe pledges to explore new health-care approaches, but the NDP is voicing concerns over potential private options. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Sask. Premier Scott Moe has sparked questions after mentioning an upcoming discussion on the future of health care delivery in the province.

“A very open discussion about delivering health care in a very innovative way, a different way,” Moe said.

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He noted that Alberta is holding a similar discussion. There, a bill before the legislature would allow some doctors to offer both public and private care. Moe did not indicate whether Saskatchewan might consider a similar model.

The NDP has already been on record as being opposed. NDP Leader Carla Beck issued a strong warning to Scott Moe and the Sask. Party.“If you really think that you are going to dismantle and destroy public healthcare in the birthplace of Medicare, you better be ready for a fight,” she said.

The Saskatchewan government responded in a written statement, accusing the NDP of opposing “new ideas in healthcare” while claiming its own approach will continue to focus on innovation.

Details on potential changes to health care delivery in the province remain unclear. Officials say a full discussion will take place over the course of the year.