The Saskatchewan Government has issued a new Provincial Emergency Order to address health system labour mobility.
The new order puts in the same provisions as the previous letter of understanding that was in effect during the public health order. That letter expired as the rest of the emergency health order did.
The government says it allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and redirecting health care workers to areas experiencing capacity pressures.
The province explains that given the urgent need for health care workers, the SHA, affiliates and unions are all under its provisions. These unions include:
- Canadian Union of Public Employees
- Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Employees International Union – West
- Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union
- Saskatchewan Union of Nurses
Health Minister Paul Merriman said in a statement that they appreciate the leadership of the SHA, affiliates, unions and all health care workers and all parties are working together to meet the challenge of the pandemic.
These changes are in effect immediately.