Warren Kaeding, left, will be the new minister responsible for seniors along with being responsible for rural and remote healthcare. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME) 

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Saskatchewan Cabinet Shuffle

Seniors advocates respond to ministerial appointment

Aug 14, 2019 | 10:05 AM

Premier Scott Moe has named a minister responsible for seniors.

Warren Kaeding, who previously served as minster of government relations will be taking on the role along with serving as the minster for rural and remote health care.

The announcement, which was made Tuesday morning in Regina at Government House where premier Moe announced a cabinet shuffle.

The appointment of Kaeding to the new post is being met with a positive response from John Fryters who is vice president with the Prince Albert Seniors Advocacy Centre.

“I think it’s about time. I think it’s long due,” he said.

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Fryters said it is important seniors be represented at the cabinet table given that seniors are a growing demographic in the province, with currently a quarter of the province’s population currently being 55 or older.

In terms of specific issues, Fryters said as people get older they will have more needs which includes health care. He added in P.A. the issue of transportation is a big one for many older people.

“As it relates to Prince Albert, one of the first things that the minister needs to address, would be the void that was left by the closure of STC,” he said.

According to Fryters, the closing of the provincial bus company has caused issues for area seniors as many used it to get to medical appointments in Saskatoon.

Currently the senior’s advocacy centre has plans to meet with P.A. Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave and Fryters said he plans ask about a meeting with the new minister.

“We want to certainly speak to him before the election next year,” he said.

The issue of appointing a member of cabinet to represent seniors is not new as at their most recent convention the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to create a position to represent seniors.

SUMA president Gordon Barnhart said they don’t know anything about the mandate the new minister will have, but added he sees great potential.

“We’re going to be examining that with great detail and look forward to working with minister Kaeding and the provincial government in terms of their policies and programs for seniors,” he said.

Looking at where the provincial government and urban municipalities can work together to help seniors, Barnhart said one of these areas is finding more ways to deliver healthcare to people in their communities.

“Not to take people out of their community for many of these services, that services can be taken to these seniors would be great,” he said.

Along with health services, Barnhart said it would be good for municipalities and the province to work together to develop programs to help deal with senior loneliness as well.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn