Sask. budget welcomed by mental health organizations, volunteer firefighters

While this was an election promise, the government said they did not have the financial capacity to accommodate the program until now. But the minister said the Humboldt Broncos collision renewed how extremely important the volunteers in rural areas are in Saskatchewan.

“I think [the Humboldt Broncos collision] renewed our gratitude. We have always been grateful but sometimes we forget,” she said.

Battleford Fire Chief Larry Gabruch said considering the 24-7 emergency support services that first responders provide to the province — often for very modest pay — he found it entirely appropriate the province introduce the tax credit.

“First responders, particularly in the rural areas of this vast province, provide a vital role and function,” he said. “To be recognized with monetary compensation is going to be viewed very favourably.”

There is currently a similar program at the federal tax level, which has an annual finical impact of around $450.

Gabruch said the money will go a long way to offset the time and effort all first responders put into training and responding to incidents.

“There is a tremendous sacrifice to continue to ensure you are trained and able bodied and able to respond,” he said. “There is no question I am very pleased for all first responders in our province.”

‘It makes us all healthier’: Mental health funding boost applauded

The Saskatchewan government’s budget makes the largest investment in mental health treatment in the province’s history.

Nearly $30 million has been added this year, allowing over $400 million to be earmarked for mental health and addictions treatment in the province. Of the new funding, over $13 million will go towards supporting doctors and nurses at the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford.

Upwards of $8.3 million will fund over 140 new support beds across the province. There is also $1.6 million to launch three Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinics in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

Around $300,000 in new funding will help provide 24-7 nursing supports at the La Ronge Detox Centre. There is a further $250,000 to expand the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Roots of Hope Suicide Prevention Initiative to Buffalo Narrows.

Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association North Battleford branch Jane Zielke de Montburn said mental health care has long been underfunded in Saskatchewan and welcomed the bundle of new money.

“I think it is great news for all of us and it will help us all,” she said, adding far too often, mental health is forgotten to be part of one’s total health. “If we have a mental health problem it can affect us physically. I don’t think enough emphasis is put on us to do things to maintain our mental health.”

She said rising work stress and the rapid growth of technology has impacted everyone’s mental health and people have brushed aside the importance of maintaining a strong mental state.

The provincial government further committed $420,000 to increase programming for individuals with mental illness through the CMHA of Saskatchewan, which her organization is affiliated with.

“I am expecting that will bring new dollars into this community to expand programming,” she said. “I am really happy to see it come about.”

—

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

by Tyler Marr

Sask. budget welcomed by mental health organizations, volunteer firefighters

‘It makes us all healthier’: Mental health funding boost applauded

What's Trending