The surgical backlog Saskatchewan is facing was discussed in Question Period today (Thurs).

NDP Leader Ryan Meili says an additional 14-thousand people have been added to the surgical waitlist as a result of the government’s mismanagement of the pandemic.

Meili also asked if the almost $62-million in federal money the province is earmarked to receive will be used to address the backlog or will the government use it to fund so-called “pet projects of their corporate pals.”

The federal government’s Bill C-17 – introduced Friday – would provide $2-billion to provinces and territories to address surgical backlogs, and Saskatchewan would receive about $61.7-million.

Minister of Mental Health & Addictions and Rural & Remote Health Everett Hindley replied they welcome any additional funding, on top of the $21.6-million the province committed, to address the surgical backlog.

Hindley also noted the province’s aggressive 3-year plan to return to pre-pandemic levels in surgical wait times by 2025.