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By battlefordsNOW Staff

Leaked emails

Opposition criticizes government after breast cancer patients cannot afford care

Mar 11, 2025 | 3:52 PM

The NDP has released obtained emails which says patients are forgoing mammograms out of province due to the cost.

“Saskatchewan women urgently needing diagnostic care like mammograms are being referred to Calgary clinics – clinics owned by Sask. Party donors,” said Meara Conway, Saskatchewan NDP shadow minister for rural and remote health during a press conference earlier Tuesday.

“Multiple women, despite being deemed high-enough risk to be eligible for the program have declined cancer care in Calgary.”

An email dated March 3. (Submitted/SK NDP)

According to the leaked emails dated March 3 and March 6 in which parts have been redacted, the first email said in part, “The out of province breast diagnostics initiative has a maximum reimbursement of $1500, which you received,” it reads following a salutation to an unknown person.

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“This initiative is completely voluntary and there have been patients that chose not to go to Calgary due to costs. Also, I believe Beam Radiology will reschedule appointments up to three times so the option is available to book when expenses are more reasonable.”

The follow-up email three days later appears to have been written by someone (also redacted) from the government.

An email dated March 6. (Submitted/SK NDP)

Another email from the Ministry of Health said in part, “I completely agree with you that it is unfortunate that some people can’t participate in this initiative because they don’t have the funds available to pay the costs upfront or they don’t have a reliable vehicle to get them to Calgary and can’t afford airfare.”

“Unfortunately, Dr. Ibach’s opinion does not change the fact that there is a maximum of $1,500 reimbursement regardless of the circumstances. I think if Dr. Ibach feels that you needed to be placed higher on the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s waiting list that would be an issue to take up with the Saskatchewan Health Authority or your doctor, whomever determined your level of urgency.”

First page of the contract. (Submitted/SK NDP)

In a government release from Nov. 2023, the program was considered temporary to “accelerate urgent diagnostic breast cancer procedures, including breast mammography and biopsies, until these services are stabilized in the province.”

“No cash, no car, no mammogram,” said Conway.

Second page of the contract. (Submitted/SK NDP)

According to an agreement between the provincial government and Canadian Surgery Solutions (a subsidiary of Clearpoint Health Network) was also provided by the Saskatchewan NDP. It included an amended agreement of no more than $2.4 million from April 1 of this year to March 31, 2026 is approved for breast cancer treatment.

“Instead of investing in Saskatchewan healthcare workers and hospitals here at home, the Sask. Party is sending public dollars to private Calgary clinics and last month they extended their contract,” Conway said.

battlefordsNOW has reached out to the provincial government for further comment and will update this story.

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cjnb-news@pattisonmedia.com