CUPE is calling out the Sask. Party  Government on showing close to no progress in hiring hundreds of Continuing Care Assistants.

The promise was made during their 2020 re-election campaign. Numbers revealed by the Minister for Seniors show that almost no progress has been made in nearly three years.

“These numbers prove what our members have been experiencing daily as long-term care facilities remain understaffed and workers are run off their feet doing their best to provide quality care for residents,” says Bashir Jalloh, president of CUPE 5430.

“It’s obvious that the government has not been hiring CCAs, and by the Minister’s own admission, it’s clear that this is yet another broken promise from the Sask. Party government.”

During the 2020 provincial election, the Sask. Party committed to hiring 300 more CCAs which equals to one new care assistant for every 50 residents of long-term care facilities across the province.

While the Sask. Party was questioned during the legislative proceedings earlier this week, Minister Everett Hindley revealed that only 17 spots have been filled.

According to CUPE, there are currently no initiatives in place by the government to retain existing CCAs despite announcing 177 vacancies and many CCAs have already left their professions.