Saskatchewan NDP promises 800 new health-care workers
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck speaks during a media event where she released her full platform for the upcoming provincial election in Saskatoon on Friday, October 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck has promised to hire 800 new frontline health-care workers over four years if her party wins the upcoming provincial election.
The party has already pledged to spend $1.1 billion to help train and retain health-care workers.
The 800 positions would be focused on the areas of highest need as residents face extended wait times for emergency services, surgeries and family doctors. In addition, emergency room closures and service blackouts have been widely reported.
Beck claims 4,000 health-care workers left the workforce last year alone. The NDP says it aims to reduce turnover within healthcare by half if elected.
As part of her platform, Beck has also vowed to convert part-time job postings to full-time and work with those on the front lines to ensure new staff are being retained.
“What we’re talking about is thousands more frontline nurses, doctors and other dedicated professionals in our hospitals ready and supported to provide care for the people of Saskatchewan,” Beck said.
“Saskatchewan healthcare is in last place because Scott Moe and the Sask. Party put us there. But that’s a choice. We can make a different choice — to change the government and focus from Day 1 on delivering better healthcare.”
The Thanksgiving long weekend saw the NDP hammer the issue of healthcare with dual events in Regina.
On Sunday, the party highlighted concerns over pay and working conditions from health-care professionals, while Monday saw the party highlight a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) memo outlining a service blackout of interventional radiology services in Regina due to a lack of doctors.
The Saskatchewan Party platform has highlighted the $7.6 billion invested into healthcare in the province’s most recent budget – along with its Health and Human Resources Program which has received $300 million since 2022.
-With files from The Canadian Press.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING
DEVELOPING Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO contests extradition to New York
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO contested his extradition back to New York at a court hearing Tuesday. He was also denied bail at the brief hearing in western Pennsylvania.
National rent prices decline year-over-year to 15-month low: report
A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low.
Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests
Sugar isn’t helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk –– but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats.
Meth wrapped as Christmas gifts seized from Vancouver passenger at New Zealand airport
A woman travelling from Vancouver to New Zealand was arrested after a search of her carry-on duffel bag found methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents, according to authorities.
'Governor Justin Trudeau': Trump appears to mock PM in social media post
Amid a looming tariff threat, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump appears to be mocking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as 'Governor Justin Trudeau' in a post on Truth Social early Tuesday.
'I never got the impression he would self-destruct:' Friends of suspect in fatal CEO shooting left in shock
Months before police identified Luigi Mangione as the man they suspect gunned down a top health insurance CEO and then seemingly vanished from Midtown Manhattan, another disappearing act worried his friends and family.
Jamie Foxx reveals he suffered a brain bleed and a stroke, says 'I don’t remember 20 days'
Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx has opened up about the medical emergency he faced last year, revealing that he had a brain bleed that led to a stroke.
Recall issued for pistachio chocolate bar sold across Canada due to 'possible salmonella'
Chocolate lovers are being advised to check their cupboards following a recall of a pistachio-flavoured chocolate bar that was sold in Ontario and across Canada due to a salmonella risk.
Canada announces new sanctions against Chinese, Russian officials
Past and present senior Chinese officials, as well as Russian officials and collaborators, are the subjects of new human rights sanctions, the Canadian government said Tuesday.
Saskatoon
-
Emergency crews searching the South Saskatchewan River for body of missing man
Saskatoon police and firefighters have begun searching the South Saskatchewan River for the body of a 48-year-old man who went missing late last month.
-
Sask. RCMP lay murder charge in fatal February shooting
The Saskatchewan RCMP have charged a man with first-degree murder for a fatal February shooting in North Battleford.
-
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeggers hopeful after fall of Assad regime in Syria
Winnipeg’s Syrian community is brimming with hope and happiness following the fall of the country’s brutal dictatorship—ending a 13-year-long civil war.
-
Colleen Bready's Forecast: The deep freeze is coming
Another day, another round of snow is falling in southern Manitoba on Tuesday—all before the first sustained deep freeze of the season sets in tonight.
-
Some small businesses concerned about making changes to comply with GST holiday
As the federal government prepares to lift the GST on a laundry list of items on Saturday, some small businesses are concerned making it happen will be a huge problem.
Edmonton
-
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
-
Memorial to be held by first responders for Edmonton security guard slain on the job
A group that represents first responders in Alberta says it plans to honour a security guard who was killed on the job in Edmonton last week.
-
Krispy Kreme fans spend night outside to be first inside new Edmonton shop
A Calgary man was the first in line at Krispy Kreme's opening in Edmonton on Tuesday.
Calgary
-
Several guns seized during searches of Calgary homes, vehicles: police
A Calgary man is facing charges after police seized multiple guns during searches of vehicles and homes in south Calgary.
-
Woman in life-threatening condition after being found on N.E. Calgary pathway
A woman was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition after being found on the Nose Creek Pathway in northeast Calgary.
-
Pedestrian hospitalized after being hit by garbage truck in downtown Calgary
A pedestrian was rushed to hospital after she was hit by a garbage truck in downtown Calgary on Tuesday.
Lethbridge
-
Charges laid after drugs, weapons seized from multiple southern Alberta homes
Four people are facing charges after drugs and weapons were seized from multiple southern Alberta homes as part of a trafficking investigation late last month.
-
Lethbridge Hurricanes drop off donations at Chinook Regional Hospital
Members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes visited the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday to help deliver thousands of teddy bears collected during Friday's game against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
-
'Go beyond the board': Chess helping Alberta youth keep troubles in check
Every Friday in a southern Alberta classroom, youth are learning how to keep their troubles in check.
Toronto
-
'We are a threat to the U.S.': Ford suggests reason for Trump's proposed tariffs
Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, suggesting that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs may have something to do with him seeing the province as a “threat.”
-
Police in York Region arrest 17 suspects allegedly part of criminal network involved in GTA home invasions
Police in York Region have arrested 17 people and seized $14 million worth of drugs in connection with a 'criminal network' allegedly actively planning home invasions, armed robberies and drug trafficking.
-
Ontario doctor sees licence revoked for sexually abusing patients: disciplinary tribunal
A disciplinary panel has revoked the licence of a family doctor in Hamilton, Ont. after they found he sexually assaulted two patients and repeatedly disregarded an order not be alone with patients without a monitor present.
Ottawa
-
RAINFALL WARNINGRAINFALL WARNING Ottawa could receive up to 40 mm of rain Tuesday and Wednesday
Ottawa is set to receive a soaking from Mother Nature, with up to 40 mm of rain possible over the next two days. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Ottawa and eastern Ontario, calling for rain, heavy at times, tonight and on Wednesday.
-
Ashcroft Homes receives court-ordered protection as it deals with $284 million in debt
Ottawa's Ashcroft Homes has received court-ordered protection from its creditors, as it owes banks and other lenders $284.5 million.
-
111 tickets issued in first 8 days of winter no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus
A "no-stopping zone" is in effect on a section of the eastern side of Lynda Lane, near Smyth Road, between Dec. 1 and March 31. In the first eight days of the winter "no-stopping zone" rules, 111 tickets were issued to vehicles for violating the order.
Montreal
-
Passengers forced off plane after smoke spotted at Montreal airport
Passengers on a plane about to leave Montreal for Fort Lauderdale were forced to leave their aircraft and reboard from another gate after smoke was spotted coming from a preconditioned air unit near the gate.
-
Montreal police have handed out over 1,400 tickets for non-compliant tires in 2024
Montreal police (SPVM) have handed out over 500 more tickets for non-compliant tires in 2024 than they did in any year since 2018.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Rainfall warning in effect from Montreal to past Quebec City, freezing rain alert ended
There is a rainfall warning in effect along the St. Lawrence River from south of Montreal to past Quebec City. The freezing rain warning has ended.
Vancouver
-
Suspect in Vancouver 'sucker punch' incident also charged in 2 other random assaults, police say
The suspect arrested last week for allegedly sucker-punching a stranger in downtown Vancouver has been charged in a total of three separate stranger assaults, police announced Tuesday.
-
Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments
A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday.
-
Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C.
Vancouver Island
-
Man in hospital, suspect at large after stabbing in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties are investigating after a 50-year-old man was reportedly stabbed Tuesday morning at a park in Nanaimo, B.C.
-
Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments
A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday.
-
Sturko refuses to meet former police board vice-chair, defying B.C. Opposition leader
B.C. Conservative public safety critic Elenore Sturko is refusing to meet a former Vancouver Police Board vice-chair in defiance of the wishes of party leader John Rustad and a group of colleagues, who have backed the woman over controversial social media posts.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
London
-
Imagine Build working toward fifth accessible home on Oneida
A charity that builds accessible homes for Indigenous families in need on the Onieda Nation of the Thames is hoping for a big holiday push for its latest project.
-
Fanshawe student designs the world's smallest arcade machine
The tiny machine is the creation of a Fanshawe College student. As a new generation of public school students looked on, a current-generation electro-mechanical engineer prepared to display her innovation.
-
No path forward: staff reacting to closure of Craigwood Youth Services
Staff are reacting Tuesday to the news that Craigwood Youth Services is closing its doors. For seven decades, the organization served trouble youth and their families from across the province.
Kitchener
-
Waterloo Region mistakenly applied $13.7M discount to Amazon build in Blair
The Region of Waterloo will not be able to demand $13.7 million from a developer after they said a discount was mistakenly issued for the development of an Amazon fulfillment centre.
-
Canadian man sentenced to prison for embezzling US$1.4M
U.S. authorities have sentenced a Canadian man to 20 months in prison for a US$1.4-million embezzlement scheme.
-
Cambridge residents to pay $21.98 more for city's portion of 2025 property taxes
Homeowners in Cambridge will be paying $21.98 more for the city’s portion of the property taxes in 2025.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. man on probation charged with intimate partner violence, firearms offences
New details have emerged about a police standoff in northern Ontario that sent a school and day care into lockdown last month after police lay intimate partner violence-related charges.
-
Sault suspect tied snowblower to truck bumper, arrested for impaired, weapons offences
A suspended driver in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with more than a dozen offences after someone reported a pickup truck driving around with a snowblower tied to the bumper.
-
Two charged with assault following downtown Sudbury altercation
Two people from Greater Sudbury have been charged with assault, weapons and several other offences following an incident Tuesday morning in downtown Sudbury.
Atlantic
-
Freezing rain warning issued in New Brunswick; Rainy, windy weather expected Thursday
A developing storm will move into Quebec late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rain and strong southerly winds to the Maritimes.
-
N.B. RCMP releases photo of 'vehicle of interest' in Chipman double-homicide case
The New Brunswick RCMP has released a photo of a “vehicle of interest” in connection to the deaths of two people in Chipman last month.
-
Fredericton creates new task force to address public safety concerns
Fredericton is creating a new task force to address growing concerns about public safety in the city.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
-
North anxious over dwindling necessities, no Christmas gifts, due to postal strike
Communities in Northern Canada say the postal strike is starting to choke off the supply and children in remote regions may not receive Christmas gifts this year.
-
Not just for your parents: Facebook's buy-and-sell platform drawing back millennials
The two-metre-tall anchor, believed to be from a century-old shipwreck, was salvaged by a fisherman in the 1980s. But last year, the 31-year-old Stapleton, who works as a navigation officer on a cargo ship, snapped it up on Facebook Marketplace.
