YORKTON — Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition says the provincial government is refusing to release details of an 840-page study into the condition of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.
The Saskatchewan NDP criticized the Scott Moe government after the Ministry of Health declined to disclose the report, citing cabinet confidentiality.
“For 20 years, the Sask. Party has dragged their feet on building Yorkton a new hospital, now they’re hiding just how bad the condition of the current hospital is,” said Aleana Young, the NDP’s jobs and economy shadow minister.
The NDP submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking studies on the replacement or renovation of Yorkton Hospital. In its response, the Ministry said it would withhold all 840 pages that matched the request because they are protected by cabinet confidence.
Young said residents in the region are frustrated by what she described as repeated delays.
“People here are sick and tired of political games, delays and broken promises,” she said. “They just want a government and a local MLA that will stick to their word and deliver on the things people care most about.”
Community and health-care leaders have told the NDP the facility is overdue for replacement. Concerns raised include a small emergency department, overcrowded acute care rooms and limited space for pediatric, cancer and mental health services.
Jared Clark, the NDP’s shadow minister for rural and remote health, said the party is prepared to move the project forward.
“We’re ready to build, not just a hospital, but the necessary infrastructure to staff it,” Clark said. “The Sask. Party hasn’t kept their word and they are doing everything they can to walk back this promise. That’s the only good explanation for them hiding these documents.
“Yorkton is a city with so much potential and it’s time for a change.”
Discussions about replacing the hospital began in 2011, with conceptual plans presented publicly in 2012. Thirteen years later, the health minister told media the project remains in the scoping phase and did not commit to a construction timeline.
In July 2025, the province announced $1 million to develop a business case for the project, describing it as the next step in the planning process.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has pledged that if elected to form government, construction of a new Yorkton hospital would be a priority.
