Health Minister Len Taylor tells us he is reviewing a policy that requires communities to pay 35 per cent of the cost for construction of regional health care facilities or renovations to existing ones.

 

Some good news for the City of Moose Jaw and other communities in the province that have to pay for part of health facilities.

The provincial government is reviewing the policy that requires communities like Moose Jaw to pay for 35 per cent of construction fees on health care facilities.

Health Minister Len Taylor says this issue has been raised repeatedly by communities over the years. "At the request of representatives of the Urban Municipalities Association, Saskatchewan Health is reviewing the policy of 65/35 and we are doing so in connection with our budget planning process."

But Minster Taylor says if the province decides to fund all of the construction fees for regional facilities, the strain on all health funding will become strained. When a decision will be made is still unknown.

The issue is a significant one for Moose Jaw as we prepare for an upgrade to the Union Hospital. Mayor Dale McBain welcomes the announcement but takes it with a grain of salt. "I think it’s a good thing that they're reconsidering but how it plays out in the end is up for grabs. I think this suggests that they've heard the message, they're re-evaluating it, and well just have to see how it works out."