Shadow Seniors Minister Keith Jorgenson has criticized Saskatchewan's Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill for making healthcare cuts in his home riding. Speaking at a Chamber of Commerce presentation in The Battlefords, Jorgenson pointed out that while the province spent $8.022 billion on health last year, the government is now planning a $17.1 million reduction, with a proposed healthcare budget of $8.004 billion for the coming year.
“The intensive care unit at the Battleford Union Hospital was closed for 48 days,” Jorgenson said. “This is the Health Minister’s own riding, and people can’t get the healthcare they need. Jeremy Cockrill needs to look the people of Battleford in the eyes and explain how he has the audacity to cut healthcare funding at a time like this.”
Jorgenson also raised concerns about the province's budget, which he said failed to include a contingency fund to address potential tariffs. He criticized the government for not providing measures to protect workers, producers, and industries, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. under former President Donald Trump.
“This budget denies the serious reality of the massive challenges people here in the Battlefords are facing,” Jorgenson said. “The Sask. Party is asleep at the wheel.”
The Battlefords, Jorgenson explained, rely heavily on agriculture and oil and gas, both of which could be severely affected by tariffs. He argued that the Saskatchewan government’s budget fails to support these key sectors and leaves the people of The Battlefords in a vulnerable position.
Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck has previously put forward an ambitious plan to enhance infrastructure in the province, calling on the Sask. Party to invest in rail lines, pipelines, and power lines to improve the province's ability to get products to market. Beck and the NDP have also advocated for twinning Highway 1 from coast to coast, prioritizing Saskatchewan steel companies, and banning U.S. contracts.
“I am proud to be part of a team that’s focused on the future,” Jorgenson said. “We’ve condemned the repeated attacks by Trump on Canada’s sovereignty. Unlike the Sask. Party, we are a team that steps up — we don’t suck up.”