Province, physicians reach tentative agreement

A tentative deal has been reached between the province and its physicians.

The provincial government announced Wednesday a tentative four-year contract agreement between itself and the Saskatchewan Medical Association. The deal, which is still subject to a ratification vote, would cover from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026.

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement for a fair and competitive compensation package that supports our ongoing retention and recruitment efforts,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a news release. “We value the physicians in our province and appreciate the commitment and dedication they have shown over the past number of years.”

SMA President Dr. Annette Epp said they are recommending members accept the tentative agreement which, addresses priorities raised by physicians during the negotiations.”

In a release, the province said details of the agreement will not be released until the ratification process has been completed. The ratification voting period is open until Feb. 2, 2024.

Last November, Saskatchewan’s health ministry announced $20 million in what it called “stabilization funding” for community-based family doctors operating under the fee-for-service model.

The province has been dealing with a shortage of family doctors, and so the government has taken steps to attract, train, and retain more healthcare workers.