The Saskatchewan Medical Association and the provincial government have reached a tentative five-year contract.

The deal back-dates to April 1st of 2017, and would expire March 31st of 2022.

Bargaining lasted for more than three years, and according to the SMA, and allows the profession to properly adapt to the changing needs of patients.

More than 2,500 physicians in Saskatchewan are to vote on the deal by mid-August. The SMA board is recommending the physicians to accept the deal.

In a news release, health minister Jim Reiter says the province values their physicians, and that this deal provides fair and competitive compensation.