The N-D-P Opposition and the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (S-A-N-P) are calling on the provincial government to re-commit to a “Grow-Your-Own” health strategy that would support local health workers training in their own communities.

Health Critic Vicki Mowat, Rural and Remote Health Critic Matt Love and S-A-N-P President Tara Schmalenberg (pictured) pointed out Tuesday that a 2014 Sask Party plan for a “Grow-Your-Own” health strategy never went beyond an initial news release. They want the provincial government to overhaul its current healthcare plan for what they proposed in 2014 so as to provide training and bridge opportunities in smaller communities to increase retention rates. The N-D-P and S-A-N-P say supports for home-grown health workers have been created in other provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.