Federal funds sought for P.A. hospital project
Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne says he was told the province is asking the federal government to share the cost of a new or expanded hospital in the city.
“I’m pleased that they’re moving forward, and as long as we’re moving forward we’re happy,” Dionne said.
The province is studying its options for either rebuilding the cramped and crowded Victoria Hospital from the ground up, or doing a major expansion and renovation. A consulting report dealing with that question, along with financing options, is due this spring.
Dionne said provincial officials told him during a meeting on Friday that Gord Wyant, the minister responsible for Saskbuilds, is asking Ottawa for money.
In a written statement on Tuesday, Wyant confirmed the information.
“There are ongoing discussions between the federal and provincial governments regarding the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital redevelopment project,” Wyant wrote.
“Under the new Infrastructure Bilateral Agreement (IBA) program, there are criteria that the province believes aligns with this project. As such, a request has been made for a funding commitment from the federal government. The government will continue to have conversations concerning the use of IBA funding with its federal counterparts.”
However, at the Friday meeting, Dionne did not hear one particular thing he was hoping for: a solid commitment of money for the project in the upcoming provincial budget.
A couple of weeks ago, Dionne explicitly said he expected to see at least some money earmarked this year.
Asked how he feels about the lack of a budget commitment, Dionne replied, “As long as we’re still front and centre and there’s no other announcements in the budget that’ll catch me off guard ...”.
Dionne went on to say that he was assured by both then-premier Brad Wall and current Premier Scott Moe that “we’re supposed to be the next hospital built in the province of Saskatchewan ... and so I’m going to keep their feet to the fire until the construction starts.”
On Tuesday, Dionne said he had not yet heard how much money Wyant will ask the federal government to contribute, but he hopes to hear the figure soon.
As for the request itself, Dionne said, “I just think it’s a regular part of doing business.” He noted that Victoria Hospital serves much of northern Saskatchewan. A large number of people in the region are Indigenous, and the federal government is responsible for providing health care to First Nations.
Dionne also indicated he sees the logic in the way the province is proceeding.
“It’s going to be hard to make an announcement in this (provincial) budget if you don’t have a commitment from the federal government,” he said.