Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette wanted the provincial budget to do more to address long-term care in northern Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Provincial Budget

Provincial budget provides funds for 24/7 care at La Ronge Detox Centre

Mar 20, 2019 | 5:07 PM

A $300,000 boost in new funding to provide around-the-clock nursing support at the La Ronge Detox Centre was announced today in the Saskatchewan government’s latest budget.

The funds are meant to significantly improve the centre’s ability to provide treatment to individuals detoxing from opioids, crystal meth and other substances. According to Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette, the announcement is good for La Ronge when it comes to having staff in place to care for people who are recovering from addictions.

“We’ll have to work it out and ask some questions about it,” he said. “Would it be 365 days per year as the detox is open most days. We’re going to ask some of that.”

The 2019-2020 budget provincial budget was also balanced with a surplus of $34.4 million. Municipal revenue sharing will also increase by $10.5 million compared to last year for a total of $251.6 million. Another $121 million will be spent on highways, bridges and culverts and an additional $30 million will go towards mental health services. There are no new taxes or tax increases in the budget.

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When it comes to northern Saskatchewan, however, Vermette stated he hoped there would have been more to look forward to. For instance, he said some local leaders are wanting investments into long-term care, while other want improvements to Highway 102 North of La Ronge and improvements to the Wollaston Lake road. More should have been done to help residents who are struggling, Vermette added, as constituents are concerned about high electricity bills and a lack of a plan in the budget to assist those laid off from uranium mines.

“I was hoping to get an announcement for long-term care,” he said. “No senior should have to wait 160 days. I know there are people who are not happy about it, and if they didn’t hear an announcement for long-term care for the area, they’re going to be drafting a petition.”

As for $30 million for improvement health services, Vermette stated residents will have to wait to see if any of that money reaches the North. He said it’s unknown if the funds are tied to federal dollars and how the money will be spent.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno