REGINA – Saskatchewan Government & General Employees’ Union (SGEU) President Tracey Sauer made the following statement in response to Finance Minister Jim Reiter’s announcement that the province’s $700 million share of the Ontario tobacco lawsuit revenue will go into general revenue.

“Finance Minister Jim Reiter’s announcement is a slap in the face of both health care providers and cancer patients alike. In their own release just three months ago, they promised every citizen that this money would go to providing care to those stricken by this terrible disease.

“As we speak, SGEU members are working to provide care at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for people stricken by cancer in overcrowded and understaffed conditions. This money should be invested in better care for patients, not flung into the general revenue void.

“This flawed decision comes at a time when cancer patients are struggling to pay to get treatment outside of our province. It’s a tremendous disappointment to know that this crises will continue to go unsolved.

“Premier Moe and cabinet need to reverse this decision immediately and keep their commitment to SGEU members and all Saskatchewan citizens and ensure that quality cancer care is there in their hour of need.”

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For more information:
John Ashton
Phone: 306.519.2903
E-mail: jashton@sgeu.org