As the letter-writing campaign for a Jubilee Home replacement by the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society (LCCSCS) continues to receive signatures, the minister destined to receive the letters shunned a planned meeting with the group.
Read more: Jubilee home at centre of letter writing campaign
A recent barbecue hosted by the organization aimed at raising money, awareness and gaining signatures was a great success. They served over 300 people, raised over $2,000 for community organizations and obtained over 140 signed letters.
How the event turned out and the campaign’s progress delighted group members and LCCSCS board member Paul Richer.
“It was an amazing day considering the weather. We were extremely happy with the turnout and the signatures obtained,” said Richer. “This campaign is going to go throughout the summer.”
A plan to hand over the letters
When the dual caucuses of both Alberta and Saskatchewan came to town, Saskatchewan Health Minister James Cockrill attended. MLA Colleen Young had arranged for him to attend a meeting with the LCCSCS at 4 p.m. that day. Cockrill opted out of the meeting moments before it started due to another emergency situation occurring in the province.
The plan was to hand over 2,000 letters to the minister ahead of that meeting.
Although disappointed Cockrill didn’t attend, the group, led by society
president Graham Brown, continued the meeting with Young, MLA for Kindersley-Biggar, Kim Gartner and MLA for Cutknife-Turtleford, James Thorsteinson.
The group made a presentation and asked questions on the current state of the Jubilee Home. They also wanted to learn about the next steps to move forward with the replacement.
According to Young, Cockrill holds the keys to the next steps. She also noted he had to push for the Jubilee Home to be at the top of the priorities list. This would require the support of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health. Both help build the list.
However, she didn’t know where a replacement stood, as she had not had those conversations with the minister.
Ministry of Health response:
In a statement to the Meridian Source, responding to that question, representatives from the Ministry of Health stated the following.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is aware that replacing Jubilee Home is a priority for many residents in the community,” stated department officials.
“The ministry wants to review the recommendations from the ongoing needs assessment. Only then, will they move forward on recommendations surrounding the home.”
A needs assessment done over a decade ago also recognized a replacement was necessary.
The biggest question is, “Where do we stand on the list of priorities?”
“With respect to infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Health works with its partner organizations, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, to ensure investments are made to address the highest capital priorities,” stated ministry officials.
“Consideration of major projects occurs every year as part of the province’s annual budget development process. This work takes into account the need to deliver safe and effective services across the province. There are many competing needs and all must be reviewed as part of the budget process.”
MOVING FORWARD
The group says they will not let the issue fade. They plan to continue collecting letters and pushing hard throughout the summer. There is even talk of delivering the letters directly to Cockrill’s office in the Battlefords.
As Richer put it, “This is not just about a building, it’s about dignity and care for our seniors.”
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