Over the past week, Canadians have been deeply saddened by the heartbreaking tragedy in Wainwright. This devastating event has touched hearts from coast to coast to coast, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country.
My thoughts and prayers remain with the Canadian Armed Forces members involved, their families and loved ones, their fellow service members, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
I join our entire country in extending deepest gratitude to the emergency responders and rescue personnel who answered the call, along with the dedicated doctors, nurses and medical teams and the entire community of Wainwright who have worked tirelessly to provide care and support.
Our hearts are especially with the families and loved ones who have faced uncertainty and anguish during this difficult time. Please know that Saskatchewan and Canadians across the country continue to hold you close in their thoughts and prayers.
So many injured. We pray for comfort and strength to all those affected, and may the days ahead bring healing, hope and peace.
Premier Scott Moe, "Like many Canadians, I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic incident at CFB Wainwright.
On behalf of the people of Saskatchewan, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish strength and healing to those who were injured.
This is a heartbreaking loss for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Wainwright community, and families across Canada.
Today, Saskatchewan mourns the loss of Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert. Shaun was a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country. His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow service members, and all who knew him.
As we remember Shaun and the other service members who lost their lives, we also keep those injured and their loved ones in our thoughts.
We are grateful to the first responders, medical teams and emergency crews who continue to support those affected. Saskatchewan sent air ambulance support on Saturday night and stands ready to provide additional resources as needed.
Flags at provincial buildings will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Private Shaun Farrell and the other service members who lost their lives.
To Shaun's family, to the families of the other fallen service members, and to everyone carrying the weight of this loss today, please know that Saskatchewan stands with you, and that you are in our prayers in the difficult days ahead."
80 NEW ACUTE BEDS NOW OPEN IN SASKATOON TO SUPPORT PATIENT CARE
Saskatchewan has reached an important milestone in expanding acute care capacity in the province's largest city.
A total of 80 new acute beds are now open across Saskatoon, reflecting the province's ongoing commitment to putting patients first and improving access to timely, high-quality care.
This expansion includes:
- 36 acute inpatient beds at Royal University Hospital;
- 24 acute inpatient beds at St. Paul's Hospital; and
- 20 additional medicine beds at Saskatoon City Hospital.
These beds add to the 40 medicine beds previously opened at Saskatoon City Hospital, bringing the total number of beds opened at Saskatoon hospitals in the past 12 months to 120.
"Expanding access to care means investing in the people, spaces and services that patients rely on," Premier Scott Moe said. "By increasing hospital capacity and supporting better patient outcomes, we are delivering on our commitment to put patients first and build a stronger health system for Saskatchewan families."
"Today is an important milestone for Saskatoon and for patients across Saskatchewan," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. "With the opening of these 80 new acute care beds, we are improving access to high-quality care, reducing pressure on our emergency departments, adding capacity and ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place as close to home as possible."
The 80 new beds are supported by a $73 million investment this fiscal year to help reduce pressure on Saskatoon's emergency departments by reducing delays in hospital admissions and enhancing safety for both patients and staff.
The 2026-27 investment builds on the $45 million invested over the past two fiscal years to expand acute care capacity at Saskatoon City Hospital and includes:
- $54.2 million to continue the realignment of acute care services at Saskatoon City Hospital; and
- $19.5 million to add a total of 60 permanent inpatient beds at Royal University Hospital (36) and St. Paul's Hospital (24).
The opening of these 20 medicine beds marks the completion of the planned expansion to 60 medicine beds at City Hospital. This forms part of the hospital's larger 109 bed acute care expansion, with the remaining 49 beds set to open by March 2027.
"The opening of new acute care beds in Saskatoon reflects our commitment to expanding capacity and improving access to care for patients in Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Health Authority Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. "These additional beds will help us meet growing patient needs, support patient care throughout the health system, and enhance the care experience for patients and families."
All required positions for the 60 medicine beds at Saskatoon City Hospital have been hired. The majority of the positions have been hired at Royal University Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital, with remaining positions undergoing the hiring process.
Over 150 permanent full-time positions were added at Royal University Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital to support the new inpatient beds. Additional physicians, nurses and a wide range of allied health positions are also being hired at Saskatoon City Hospital as part of the SHA's broader effort to staff over 450 new full-time positions to support the hospital's full acute care expansion.
The allied health positions include pharmacists, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others; specialized lab and medical imaging staff; clinical support staff; and other essential staff needed to safely operate the expanded units.
Together, these investments support Saskatchewan's broader strategy to strengthen hospital capacity, reduce emergency department pressures and improve community-based health services.
INDIA-SASKATCHEWAN LEADERSHIP RECEPTION
Having just returned from India, it was especially meaningful to attend and speak at the India–Saskatchewan Leadership Reception in Saskatoon on behalf Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Also attending was Senator Tracy Muggli, and Brad Crassweller, MLA.
It was a pleasure to join His Excellency Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, and Mr. Masakui Rungsung, Consul General of India in Vancouver.
Thank you to ICCA Saskatoon and EnviroWay for bringing together leaders from government, business, and the community.
Saskatchewan and India have exciting opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, innovation, and community partnerships. Building on the connections made through engagement in India and here at home will be important to advancing shared prosperity and future growth.
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