A private surgery company selected to expand surgical services in Saskatchewan has donated thousands of dollars to the province's governing party, according to recent financial disclosure documents.
Donations to Saskatchewan Party
Surgical Centres Inc., a subsidiary of Clearpoint Health Network, has contributed more than $35,500 to the Saskatchewan Party since it began partnering with the province in 2012. The latest disclosure shows a $5,000 donation in 2025, following the renewal of its contract in October.
Contract Expansion
In October, the provincial government expanded its agreement with Surgical Centres Inc. to include more complex orthopedic surgeries and gynecological procedures. The five-year contract, which can be extended up to seven years, is valued at up to $177 million. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill described the partnership as a win for patients, emphasizing its role in reducing waitlists.
Out-of-Province Services
Since 2023, over 830 Saskatchewan patients have been referred to a Clearpoint clinic in Calgary for breast cancer diagnostics. The Saskatchewan Health Authority reports that urgent breast biopsy wait times have dropped by more than 87 percent since the program began. Richard Dagenais, interim vice president of clinical services, highlighted the program's importance in providing timely care.
Criticism from Opposition
Saskatchewan NDP MLAs Meara Conway and Jacqueline Roy criticized the arrangement, calling it unacceptable that women must travel to a clinic that is a major donor to the Saskatchewan Party. They called for transparency, demanding the release of the fee schedule and more investment in public healthcare.
Future Plans
The Saskatchewan Health Authority aims to increase the number of surgeries performed annually from roughly 100,000 to 450,000 by the end of 2028. Health Minister Cockrill indicated the province may work with additional private contractors to meet these targets.
