REGINA — A war of words erupted Wednesday over whether Prince Albert should be on the hook to come up with $30 million toward the Victoria Hospital project.
The province's request was mentioned in Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky’s State of the City address earlier this week.
On Wednesday, the Opposition NDP pounced on the story, claiming the government had walked back on claims in the Legislature in November that it would cover 100 per cent of the project.
In a news release, the NDP pointed to comments from Premier Scott Moe in the Assembly on Nov. 3, saying the government would be funding “100 per cent of the capital cost of that facility."
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said that “the premier in his comments earlier today pointed out that the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital project is exempt from community share, saving Prince Albert taxpayers nearly $200 million with the building of that new hospital building.”
At an NDP media availability in Regina Wednesday morning, Opposition Leader Carla Beck claimed Moe had lied.
“I remember very clearly the premier standing up in November and assuring residents of Prince Albert that they would pay no cost for the Victoria Hospital project,” said Beck.
“It was a surprise to us, but I think even more so a surprise to the people of Prince Albert, and city council in Prince Albert, to find that they're going to be hit with a $30 million bill for that project… People should be able to believe and trust the word of their Premier, and they shouldn't have to look at the fine print when he makes a promise. This is a lie, and it's going to be the people of Prince Albert who are going to be paying the price yet again for this government's incompetence, and their lies, and lack of willingness to take accountability.”
In a statement, the Sask. Party government confirmed that the local community and the Victoria Hospital Foundation are responsible for raising funds to cover the cost of furniture, fixtures and equipment, as is the case with all health facilities projects in the province. They also said this funding arrangement was “clearly outlined when the PAVH renewal and expansion project was announced on March 6, 2020.”
They pointed to a news release from that date which stated: “The province will pay 100 per cent of the capital cost of the project. The local community and Victoria Hospital Foundation will raise funds for furniture and equipment.”
According to the province’s response on Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Boreal Healthcare Foundation, City of Prince Albert, Prince Albert Grand Council and other municipal governments from the region are “currently engaged in finalizing plans for procurement of these items.” The government also said it “remains committed to working in partnership with community leaders to deliver this project and provide northern families with improved and expanded access to health services.”
The province reiterated it will fully fund the entire capital portion of the Victoria Hospital project, including waiving the 20 per cent community share of that capital cost.
