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Rob’s column – January 27, 2012

January 27th, 2012

For a number of years, communities in Saskatchewan have been struggling to get, and keep, doctors. Many communities here in Northern Saskatchewan have been proactive in their approach to attracting doctors to their regions and our government has recently announced its intention to lend support to their efforts.

“Our government is focused on working with provinces and territories to improve healthcare,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “Today’s announcement is an example of how we can support the Government of Saskatchewan in their efforts to transform healthcare here in the province.”

Funding will be allocated to two projects designed to help attract, train and retain internationally educated health professionals for the Saskatchewan health workforce.

The first project will promote the retention of current and potential future employees by offering the tools and support necessary to ensure future success as healthcare professionals in this province. The project will emphasize career planning, skills upgrading and language training. This five-year project is expected to assist more than two hundred employees of Saskatchewan’s health regions.

The second project is designed to remove barriers based on International Medical Graduates’ country of training. This will be a huge change in the way doctors are sanctioned for work in Saskatchewan. Expanding the list of acceptable countries for medical care professionals will open up opportunities for healthcare workers who would jump at the chance to practice in Canada.

Also in the works is a loan forgiveness plan for doctors, nurses and nurse-practitioners working in rural and Northern Saskatchewan communities. Health care professionals will be eligible for up to $160,000 in student loan forgiveness from the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments if they commit to working in rural or remote areas. This provides a powerful incentive for health care professionals to take up residency in smaller Saskatchewan communities.

“We want to do everything we can to attract health care professionals to Saskatchewan and keep them once they’re here,” Health Minister Don McMorris said. “These projects will help internationally educated health professionals overcome barriers that might otherwise prevent them from working in careers appropriate to their skills and training.”

Our government is determined to improve healthcare in Saskatchewan. These two projects will aid in the acquisition and retention of doctors in Saskatchewan communities.

As always, I look forward to your letters, e-mails and calls. Write me at: Rob Clarke MP, House of Commons, 502 Justice Building, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6. I hope you will find time to visit my website http://www.robclarkemp.ca To contact me via e-mail use clarkr@parl.gc.ca or call my constituency office toll-free at 1-866-400-2334.