Ex-grand chief starts medical transport service
The former grand chief of the Prince Albert Grand Council is starting a medical transportation service for people from Indigenous communities after the closure of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company.
Ron Michel said patients trying to get from Prince Albert to Saskatoon for hospital appointments have had to use taxis since the provincial bus service was shuttered last year. He said his new operation will offer scheduled, comfortable transit for patients and families who would struggle on their own.
“A lot of the services were cut off when the buses were discontinued,” Michel said. “There should be a more appropriate service for taking these people ... that need (Royal) University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital for their appointments.”
Michel retired as PAGC grand chief in 2017. He said he’s chosen to spend his retirement continuing to help the community. His new service caters directly to Indigenous people through the PAGC’s Spruce Lodge Boarding Home.
To access the service, Michel said patients have to be eligible for the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program and be referred to a specialist in Saskatoon through Spruce Lodge.
Setting up transportation between Prince Albert and Saskatoon has been difficult since STC closed. Rider Express Transportation emerged as a bus option, but it shut down and then reopened its route between the two cities in November.
Owner Firat Uray said the early struggles with the route were due to the company’s young age. The current route runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Uray said its passenger numbers are growing.
“I know that there will be more customers. Maybe next year, we will consider putting in five-day service.”
Uray said Rider Express is willing to speak with any groups in Prince Albert to look for a solution for medical transportation services.
Michel’s new company has four vehicles that can carry about 20 people altogether, including one that is wheelchair accessible. He said one of his goals was to provide a more efficient and dedicated service run by and directed specifically at the Indigenous community.