FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2025

REGINA – Tracey Sauer, president of the Saskatchewan Government & General Employees’ Union (SGEU), is calling on the provincial government to ensure that the expansion of breast cancer screening is accompanied by effective recruitment and retention strategies for personnel to deliver these vital services.

On June 1, 2025, the province’s screening program expanded to include women aged 45 to 47, as part of a phased approach that will eventually include those as young as 40.

“Our members are highly trained professionals who are deeply committed to their work. But they are also tired, overworked and facing burnout.”

“This is an important and welcome step forward for women’s health in Saskatchewan,” said Sauer. “But any expansion in care must be backed by support for the frontline workers who make it possible.”

SGEU represents more than 700 Saskatchewan Cancer Agency employees, including radiation therapists, oncology pharmacists and registered nurses. Sauer said the expansion will add additional pressure to a system that is already stretched thin.

“Our members are highly trained professionals who are deeply committed to their work. But they are also tired, overworked and facing burnout,” said Sauer. “We can’t keep asking them to do more with less. The government must act now to recruit and retain staff needed to support the Cancer Agency.”

SGEU has raised concerns about chronic understaffing across the healthcare system, warning that staff shortages impact not only workers, but also patients and their quality of care.

“We fully support better access to screening – early detection saves lives,” said Sauer. “But we can’t ignore the staffing levels needed to deliver that care. If the government truly wants this program to succeed, they need to invest in the people on the front line.”

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For more information:
Brent Hill
Communications Officer
Ph: 306.775.7233
E-mail: bhill@sgeu.org