Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – September 15, 2022 – Saskatchewan Green Party candidate Jacklin Andrews campaigned at the recent Broadway Street Fair. He was particularly interested in hearing issues of concern to Saskatoon-Meewasin voters. The top issue was healthcare which is a platform of Andrew’s campaign.

Saskatchewan Green Party (SGP) candidate Jacklin Andrews (center) took advantage of the opportunity to listen to voters at the Broadway Street Fair. With him were Nancy Carswell, SGP Treasurer and Chief Official Agent (left) and Barry Dickie, SGP President (right).

Andrews says, “The number one issue was healthcare including mental health. Again and again, I heard the pain in people’s voices as they shared their scares and worries about the ability of the healthcare system to respond to their needs. I share their pain. We know that people in palliative care are very often not getting the support they need at a crucial time in their lives. Rather than being admitted to a palliative unit and receiving the care and attention from those who have specialized in palliative care, they very often find themselves shuffled between their home care programs, emergency services, and even general duty wards in their local hospitals.  Moving from one place to another is not good for them, neither is it good for their families, but in our present system they have few other alternatives. We need more beds in our palliative care in-house units.”

Andrews has experience in healthcare staff debriefings across the province; Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Kindersley. What he has learned with the debriefings is that the staff do not feel the government is listening to their expertise or lived experiences.

As a candidate, Andrews welcomes invitations to events, debates, discussions, and forums. As an MLA, he would challenge the Minister of Health asking what direction the healthcare workers think best as they serve on the frontline. Andrews would also be a voice to demand reduced wait times, healthier working conditions, and strong regulations for long-term care facilities.

Andrews can be reached at 306-918-7264 or connect with Naomi Hunter, Leader of the Saskatchewan Green Party at 306-561-8880.

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