More locations have been added to the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Incentive (RRRI) program, extending eligibility to a total of 70 communities.
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Communities include Lloydminster, Maidstone, Turtleford, North Battleford and more.
The incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service is offered to new, permanent full-time employees in nine high-priority health occupations.
“This incentive program has proven to be a great success in attracting highly sought after health-care workers such as nurses, medical technicians and continuing care assistants, where they are most needed in our rural communities,” said Lori Carr, rural and remote health minister.
“We continue to deliver on growing our health-care workforce to provide improved access and quality of care to patients across the province.”
As a result of RRRI, the government says 420 hard-to-recruit positions have been filled.
The 16 communities added in this latest round are: Arborfield, Balcarres, Beechy, Candle Lake, Carrot River, Central Butte, Cut Knife, Elrose, Foam Lake, Grenfell, Kerrobert, Maryfield, Pinehouse Lake, Raymore, Spiritwood and Wakaw.
“The expansion of this incentive will help us provide long-term solutions and ensure support is available to provide appropriate and equitable care as close to home as possible,” said Brenda Schwan, Saskatchewan Health Authority’s vice-president of integrated rural health.
Funding of $8.7 million is provided in 2025-26 for the program. It includes a $1.8 million investment for additional intake round of up to 180 new applicants and continued funding of $6.9 million for existing recipients completing their second and third year in the workplace.
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