The new five year contract between Saskatchewan physicians and the government is official. More than 90 per cent of physicians who cast ballots voted in favour of the contract.

Health Minister Jim Reiter says the contract provides competitive remuneration and benefits packages for physicians which aids in recruiting and retaining doctors in Saskatchewan.

Dr. Barb Konstantynowicz, President of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, said that the deal will allow physicians to work with a degree of certainty during the uncertain times created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some highlights of the contract include continuing to provide virtual care, after receiving positive feedback from the province’s residents. It also includes an overall average increase of one per cent annually for five years from April 1st, 2017 to March 31st, 2022.