Prince Albert MLA Report

Timely access to emergency medical services is a challenge in Saskatchewan. We are a large province with a lot of our population living in rural and remote communities, which is why our government is pleased to announce we have signed a service agreement with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), a non-profit organization that provides rotary wing air medical transportation in Alberta. The new service will support our existing air and ground ambulance programs, resulting in faster, more responsive emergency air medical services for Saskatchewan people. Our government provided $5 million to this initiative in the 2011-12 budget and an estimated $10 million annually in future years. Private sector donations also play a critical role in the funding of the STARS program. STARS is expected to be operational in Saskatchewan by the spring of 2012.

There is more good news for people and families affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Manitoba recently announced they are following Saskatchewan’s lead and investing $5 million in clinical trials for the MS liberation procedure. Last year, Saskatchewan became the first province to provide $5 million to fund these clinical trials in an effort to get answers for people who suffer from this devastating disease. With Manitoba now on board, clinical trials will produce more extensive data and may ultimately determine whether or not the liberation procedure is a valid treatment for MS.

Our government is moving forward on keeping the remainder of our election promises. Most recently, we provided further funding in the 2011-12 budget so that we can fulfill our commitment to hire 120 new police officers for Saskatchewan. Our government understands that the safety and security of you and your family is extremely important, and adding new officers will help to increase public safety throughout the province and give you more peace of mind.