In its first leaders’ dinner since 2011, Saskatchewan New Democrats gathered in Regina to celebrate its progress and leader ahead of the start of the fall legislative session. Leader Carla Beck took to the stage Monday night, highlighting the fact this month marks the midway point between the next provincial election in 2028 and the last election – which saw the party double its seat count. “We came close, but politics isn’t horseshoes. The stakes are much, much higher,” she said. “So as proud as I am for this team and the work, the incredible amount of work that we’ve done as the official opposition since that last election, I’m going to let you in on a real estate secret: we do not plan to be in opposition for very much longer.” Throughout her remarks Beck reiterated her party will continue public outreach, and called on those frustrated with the current state of affairs to vote for change in two years time. Beck turned to health care to close out her speech, and revealed a campaign promise to compliment the NDP’s plan on the issue. Arguing the formation of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) cut out local voices, Beck vowed to bring in “community advisory networks” to ensure local perspectives are included in larger decisions surrounding provincial health care. “There was a promise made to bring in community advisory networks to keep a role for local voices in those big health care decisions. These networks were promised to be in place within 180 days. It’s been 10 years,” Beck said. “…Should we have the honour of forming government I’m going to commit tonight to bringing in those health advisory networks within the first 100 days.” According to the SHA’s website the health authority utilizes “health networks” as an organizational tool, adding services within these networks are adapted to the needs of “individuals and communities.” “For example, populations showing greater incidence of certain chronic conditions such as COPD or diabetes could have enhanced provider and program support in their network,” the SHA wrote on its website. The SHA was established in December 2017 and amalgamated Saskatchewan’s 12 regional health authorities.
