04/27/2026
Advocacy update: Long-term care in Saskatchewan
We are taking this opportunity to let you know about a letter we’ve written to Jeremy Cockrill, minister of health for Saskatchewan. It raises concerns we all share with respect to the quality of care residents in special care facilities in Saskatchewan are receiving. High-quality, safe and accountable long-term care is a national priority for Federal Retirees. We also sent an email with this information to our members on April 24th.
Provincial auditor's reports
The December 2025 Saskatchewan Provincial Auditor’s Report – Volume 2 demonstrates why action and investment in special care homes in Saskatchewan is needed. The report identifies serious concerns related to high rates and potentially inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications, as well as inadequate oversight, infrequent inspection, and the need for public reporting and greater transparency. These findings highlight the urgent need for mandatory, enforceable national long-term care standards that protect the safety, dignity and quality of life of residents in special care homes. Federal Retirees is calling on federal and provincial/territorial governments to work together to implement and enforce Canada’s national long-term care standards.
Federal Retirees' call for action
We are urging the minister to make standards mandatory in Saskatchewan long term and special care facilities. National standards were developed with a rigorous, evidence-based process, led by experts and with the full participation of people with lived experience, with multiple public and focused consultations. The national standards provide a minimum standard of care and service delivery along with infection prevention and control. They focus on resident-centred care, quality of life, a healthy and competent workforce and continuous quality improvement, among other priorities.
What you can do
The most meaningful thing any of us can do is to speak out. Let your MLA and MP know that it’s time to act on the state of special care homes in Saskatchewan. We’ve included a list of all MLAs and MPs, the names of their constituencies and their contact information in a comment below. By taking a few minutes to send your representative an email, your voice will augment the call for change and create a better future for all those who now require residential care as well as those who will require that care in the future.
We have included a copy of the letter we sent to the minister in a comment below and you are welcome to include it in your communication with your representative and with others. We value your questions and comments and would appreciate you letting us know if you do reach out to your representative!
If you are interested in contributing time or ideas, please let us know by emailing [email protected] as the Saskatoon & Area Branch has taken the lead on this initiative.
