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ELECTION PROMISE

Sask. Party promises women’s health initiatives; NDP to present ‘tough on crime’ platform

Oct 7, 2024 | 10:50 AM

If re-elected, the Sask. Party government hopes to introduce self-screening for cervix health and provide financial aid with fertility treatments.

“The Saskatchewan Party will improve access to health services for Saskatchewan women through these important new initiatives,” candidate Scott Moe said. “A strong and growing economy means our government can provide better services for everyone and these are two ways we can improve health care for women in Saskatchewan.”

Women between the ages of 25 and 69 will receive a screening reminder letter from the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. They will then have the option of booking an in-person Pap test, or can request a self-sampling kit in the mail to screen for human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. B.C. recently implemented this testing system and Saskatchewan would be the second province in the country to provide this alternative.

“Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of beating cancer,” Sask. Party candidate and cancer survivor Laura Ross said in a media release. “That’s why the Saskatchewan Party wants to make it easier for women to screen for potential cervical cancer.”

If re-elected, the Sask. Party also promised to increase affordability for fertility treatments by providing a 50 per cent refundable tax credit for the cost of a first fertility treatment. The credit will help cover costs and related prescription amounts up to a maximum of $20,000, meaning a $10,000 benefit.

“Improving access to women’s health services — it’s part of our plan to ensure the best possible quality of life for everyone in Saskatchewan,” Moe said.

ELECTION TRAIL

On Monday, Nicole Sarauer, Saskatchewan NDP candidate for Regina Douglas Park, will be in Regina where she is expected to present data showing what they described as the Sask Party wasting millions of dollars a ‘failed healthcare administrative system.’

Meanwhile, Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck will join a local RCMP officer for a ride-along and share the party’s public safety plan, with a tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime approach.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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