Alberta and Saskatchewan health ministers discuss healthcare in Lloydminster as both teams meet with municipal leaders in the Border City and review the 2021 bi-provincial memorandum of understanding (MOU).
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the bi-provincial meeting was held at City Hall with respective MLAs being present for the collaborative effort.
The ministers evaluated current service levels, recent investments, factors driving progress, and issues impeding the effectiveness of the MOU in advancing local healthcare priorities.
Local officials are asking for an updated facility needs assessment and a long-term capital plan extending beyond 2025 to serve the growing needs of some 180,000 people.
Attendees included Saskatchewan minister of health, Everett Hindley, minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health, Tim McLeod, MLA for Lloydminster, Colleen Young, from Alberta, Adriana LaGrange, minister of health, Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, Mayor of Lloydminster Gerald Aalbers and city councillors.
Saskatchewan and Alberta underscored their commitment to healthcare in Lloydminster.
“Saskatchewan remains committed to working with Alberta and the City of Lloydminster on improving health care services for the people of Lloydminster. We had a great in-person discussion in Lloydminster this week with Mayor Aalbers, members of City Council, and Alberta Health Minister LaGrange, and committed to doing so more frequently to further advance the important work already underway,” said Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan minister of health.
“Lloydminster residents expect and deserve high-quality, accessible health care services regardless of provincial borders. We are listening to residents and health care providers and, together with our Saskatchewan partners, we will continue to seek improvements to service delivery and access to information to support positive health outcomes,” said Adriana LaGrange, Alberta health minister.
Coming out of the meeting, the Bi-Provincial Health Committee, as part of the MOU, has requested to hold quarterly meetings.
“On behalf of the Lloydminster region, I want to thank the ministers for their visit and ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in the region. Tuesday’s discussions are a testament to our shared dedication to enhancing the well-being of our residents and surrounding communities. By working together, we can achieve significant progress and ensure that Lloydminster continues to thrive,” said Gerald Aalbers, mayor of Lloydminster.
The Bi-Provincial MOU operates using an agreement between Alberta Health Services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to support health services planning and delivery, including shared approaches to new infrastructure projects, continuing care funding, mental health services, and the dialysis expansion and relocation.
