‘Costs lives’: Sask. NDP says province breaking promise by opening breast health centre later than planned

WATCH: The Saskatchewan NDP says delays in the opening of a Regina breast cancer clinic are costing women their lives.

The Saskatchewan NDP says the government is breaking a promise made to those at risk of breast cancer – as the new Regina Breast Health Centre remains weeks away from accepting patients.

Opposition MLAs gathered outside the facility in west Regina on Tuesday – highlighting the yet to be operational facility.

“The last indication we heard was the promise by this government that this clinic would be open by the end of the fiscal year,” NDP MLA and Critic for Health Vicki Mowatt told reporters.

“No woman should have to leave her home or family or province just to get breast cancer screening and this isn’t just inconvenience, it’s dangerous. Delayed diagnosis costs lives.”

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The NDP have long criticized the government’s decision to send women in need of mammograms to a private clinic in Calgary.

“We’ve heard from women – some really terrible stories, including hearing from some women who simply can’t afford to go to Calgary to get their diagnosis,” Mowatt added. “What we’re hearing from people behind the scenes is that there are significant concerns with staffing.”

Speaking to reporters following Question Period, Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill refuted several of the opposition’s claims.

“I believe most, if not all, hiring is complete,” he remarked.

The facility is set to host 13 full-time equivalent positions.

According to Cockrill, the centre will have its grand opening on April 14 and will begin accepting patients on April 23.

In Canada, the end of the fiscal year is recognized as March 31.

“As this project has progressed, there’s been a few changes along the way,” Cockrill added.

“Some more space became available at Regina crossing and so we were able to actually make plans to move the lymphedema clinic over from the Pasqua [Hospital] to Regina Crossing. Really, there’s good crossover there between for the patients that will be at the breast health centre anyway.”

As part of the 2025-26 budget, the province also promised a second mammography bus.

According to Cockrill, the province will continue to refer women to Calgary for mammograms to relieve waitlists in the province.

“The priority of this government is to provide that care as close to home as possible. We extended the contract with the company in Calgary because, again, this is all about improving access,” he said.

“So, we’re going to continue working with that company in Calgary for the duration of that contract.”

The contract is set to end in 2026.