Select services suspended for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Saskatchewan Health Authority recognizes and acknowledges the history and legacy of residential schools and honours the survivors, their families and communities.

Within the Saskatchewan Health Authority, all of our collective bargaining agreements with unions recognize federal statutory holidays. For this reason, all of our SHA in-scope staff will have September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognized and paid as a statutory holiday.

This means that some of our services will be impacted. Booked surgeries, procedures and patient visits on this day will not occur. This includes all service areas across the SHA in both acute and community settings. Any procedures that are booked on September 30, 2021 shall be postponed and rescheduled. Private physician offices may choose to be open but clinics staffed with SHA employees will not be open. LifeLabs in Saskatoon and Regina will not be open. Any services that remain open, such as emergency departments, or are provided on any other statutory holiday, will be provided on September 30.

We recognize that this will have a negative impact on our patients, many of whom have been waiting long periods of time for surgeries and procedures. However, it is important for all of us to recognize the significance and meaning of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The SHA will be encouraging all of its staff, whether they are working this day or not, to take time to reflect and learn more about the experience and history of residential school survivors.