‘Cruel and mean-spirited’: NDP calls out government on paid parking for cancer patients

In a statement, the SHA said that cancer patients have always had to pay for parking, but in Prince Albert, cancer patients received free parking under the former Prince Albert Parkland RHA.

The statement explained when the new parking equipment was installed in Prince Albert last fall, current patients continued to receive free parking and new patients had to pay.

“This was accommodated by use of a code that was provided to the existing patients. Unfortunately, an internal audit uncovered misuse of this privilege,” the SHA said.

That reasoning though, is not sitting well with the Saskatchewan NDP, who have brought up the matter in Question Period for the last three days.

On Monday, Deputy NDP leader Vicki Mowat asked Health Minister Everett Hindley how he could justify that decision.

Minister Hindley responded by saying the decision was made by the SHA and not himself and that the SaskParty has made “record investments” toward health care including those seeking cancer treatments.

Mowat responded by pointing out examples of mismanagement when it came to healthcare expenses.

“They have a long list of health care mismanagement and waste where savings could be found — $240 million on the failed AIMS [administrative information management system] system; millions paid for out-of-province surgeries and mammograms, money that’s going to Sask Party friends and donors; and they’ll have spent $139 million on contract nurses outside of Saskatchewan by December,” she said.

Despite being hounded on the topic again by Regina-Walsh MLA Jared Clarke Tuesday and Wednesday, Hindley stood his ground, saying it was purely a move made by the SHA and not the Ministry of Health.

Hindley repeatedly pointed out that the government has invested millions of dollars in cancer care throughout the province and claimed the NDP has no solid plan to fund health care.

“It’s the list of what the ideas that the members opposite have for health care, Mr. Speaker, aside from closing hospitals, closing long-term care facilities, firing doctors, firing nurses. That’s their plan and they know it,” he said.

Speaking to paNOW after Wednesday’s Question Period, Clarke said the Minister’s response was not a real answer.

“He didn’t answer the question, so it seems like they’re just towing the line and going to cut parking passes,” he said.

“I think when it comes to denying vulnerable cancer patients free parking at Victoria Hospital, which is something they’ve had for a very long time, this is cruel and mean-spirited.”

The Canadian Cancer Society has also commented on the issue, saying in a statement that additional expenses like parking, come at a time when many people face a reduction of income and experience high levels of stress.

“We urge governments to work to address these challenges for people facing cancer without adding additional pressure on health providers and hospitals, who may depend on this revenue to improve care.”

Several provinces require paid parking for cancer patients which has drawn criticism in those areas and petitions to change the rules in Winnipeg and Newfoundland & Labrador.

Meanwhile, in 2022, the B.C. Ministry of Health reinforced paid parking at all health authority sites but free parking is available for patients onsite for cancer treatment, such as care team appointments, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dental care, laboratory tests, and imaging.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

‘Cruel and mean-spirited’: NDP calls out government on paid parking for cancer patients

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