Boreal Healthcare Foundation announces Med Gala award recipients

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
Boreal Healthcare Foundation announces Med Gala award recipients

Med Gala an opportunity to recognize people who ‘keep us all at our best’ says Boreal Healthcare Foundation CEO


Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald

The Boreal Healthcare Foundation has announced the distinguished nominees for the 2025 Med Gala, an annual event celebrating excellence in healthcare and raising vital funds to support medical services at Victoria Hospital and healthcare throughout northern Saskatchewan.

Andrew McLetchie (Nursing Excellence Award), Roses Stewart-Stevens (Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award), and the Prince Albert Home Care Team (Collaborative Care Award) are this year’s winners. They will be recognized at the Med Gala on March 22 at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

“What is really impressive about all the award winners is every one of them, I think, would acknowledge that they are just one piece in the overall healthcare system,” Boreal Healthcare Foundation CEO Cody Barnett said in an interview with the Daily Herald. “They are part of that bigger team that makes sure that we all have the care that we need all through the entire spectrum of healthcare.

“This is a really great opportunity for us to recognize people that really keep us all at our best and able to live our lives,” he added. “Oftentimes it’s a thankless and very difficult job that our healthcare professionals have and it’s great to stop and think about all the work that they do.”

The Prince Albert Home Care Team provides a number of services, including nursing care for acute and chronic conditions, personal care assistance to support daily living activities, and respite and home management services for families and caregivers.

The team serves nearly 200 clients at any given time, providing quality of life care outside an institutional setting.

“The Prince Albert Home Care Team is a shining example of collaboration in action,” said Barnett. “Through their tireless efforts, they empower individuals to live independently while receiving the care they need. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to patient-centered care truly set them apart.”

Andrew McLetchie leads the SHA’s Integrated Northern Health (INH) portfolio and serves as Chief Nursing Officer. The INH is responsible for all hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary healthcare clinics, and community health centres in northeast and northwest Saskatchewan.

Barnett said McLetchie is always putting patients and families at the heart of his work.

“Andy’s leadership has had a profound impact on healthcare in Saskatchewan,” Barnett said. “His vision, dedication, and passion for patient care have strengthened our healthcare system, ensuring that the needs of northern communities remain a priority.”

Roses Stewart-Stevens is a medical trailblazer in Prince Albert. She introduced the city’s first drive-thru prescription service, ensuring more efficient medication delivery for patients.

Beyond pharmacy services, Stewart-Stevens advocated for and supported programs that increased accessibility to healthcare medications, and developed mentorship programs for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“Roses is not just a leader in healthcare—she is a visionary, an innovator, and an inspiration to all of us,” said Barnett. “Her commitment to making healthcare more accessible and patient- centered has changed lives and continues to shape the future of pharmacy in our region.”

The Med Gala highlights individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation, and service have profoundly impacted patient care in Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan.
It is a celebration of excellence, a fundraiser for healthcare, and an opportunity to bring the community together in support of our healthcare heroes. The night will feature a gourmet dining experience with handcrafted cocktails, live music from Saskatchewan’s own Gong Show and an exclusive live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences and prizes.

The event is also a major fundraiser for the Borreal Healthcare Foundation.
Barnett said the funds raised will be channeled towards “purchasing priority needs towards our healthcare facilities here in Prince Albert and throughout the north needs now.”

With Victoria Hospital, Barnett said they’re looking at pieces of equipment that have long enough life span so they can still be used when the new hospital expansion opens.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Vintage snowmobiles hit the race course for Rose Garden Hospice

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
Vintage snowmobiles hit the race course for Rose Garden Hospice

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The third annual Prince Albert Snow Pirates Vintage Snowmobile Drag Races returns to Prince Albert on Saturday.

The event will be held off Hwy 11 roughly 12 kms away from Prince Albert on Clouston Road. The event starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m.

Prince Albert Snow Pirates Racing Club vice-president Guy St. Hilaire said it’s good to have the races back after they were cancelled last year.

“It’s a big family thing,” he said. “The kids race, right up to a few mod sleds racing. The whole family is there. It’s cheap entertainment. You can go to a movie and spend $150, and this is only $10.”

Four racers race at a time, with the top finishes heading to the ‘A’ side of the bracket. St. Hilaire expects there to be 800 sleds involved in the competition.

He said there’s always a lot of interest in the older machines.

“We put studs on our tracks and everything else, and it’s all (sleds from) 1981 back to the ‘60s. There’s a class for every sled there is. They have these new racers and all that, but I think some of our old racers could probably beat the new ones because the new ones are all big horsepower and all that, but all they do is sit at the start and spin, where we hook up and we’re gone,” he said. “It’s a thrill. You’re blood starts running.”

The signs for the event will be placed at strategic and popular places.

St. Hilaire said a portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to the Rose Garden Hospice.
“Last year it was River Valley, so this year we will give it to Rose Garden and next year we can give it to somebody else or we can go back to Rose Garden,” he explained. “The very first year we had it with Rose Garden and we ended up giving them $20, 000.”

Races start at 11 a.m. sharp with a banquet and awards to follow. All vintage sleds must be 1981 and older and pass inspection prior to race start.


Pre-registration will be held on Friday at Smitty’s Restaurant from 7-9pm, with registration at the track on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Admission to the event is $10 per person. Kids age 5 and under are free. All minors must be accompanied by adults.
St. Hilaire said they club appreciates other organizations that have been partnering with them to make this event a possibility.

Sled Dogs races returns to the 2025 Prince Albert Winter Festival

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
Sled Dogs races returns to the 2025 Prince Albert Winter Festival

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

One year after being forced to cancel due to lack of snow, the Prince Albert sled dog races are back at the Winter Festival.

The sled dog races will be part of a series of regular outdoor events such as the King and Queen Trapper competition, Junior Trapper competition, sled dog rides, and sleigh rides.

“We are pretty excited about it,” Outdoor Site Director Tammy McGunigal said. “So far this year we have sled dogs teams already coming in. There are a couple teams in from Quebec, there’s teams from Northwest Territories. We are pretty excited to have the snow. We are not too thrilled about the cold weather getting everything ready, but we are pretty excited.”

The dog sled event starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday with the Buck Meridith Memorial One Dog Race. Entry into the races will be open till Saturday morning but the organizers are expecting about 15 10-dog teams and 15 six-dog teams competing at the festival.

The weather is expected to warm up significantly by the weekend, with Environment Canada forecasting temperatures of -3 C on Saturday. McGunigal said they will still run the races, but would prefer to see it a bit colder.

“It’s going to be business as usual but the dogs do prefer a little colder (weather),” she said. “Something like -10 C to -15 C is more ideal, depending on the breed of dogs running. The typical Alaskan Huskies, they find it a little warm, but the newer style breeds …, they love the warmer weather.”

McGunigal said the outdoor events are some of the oldest Winter Festival events. One of the reasons she joined the Winter Festival organizing committee was to make sure they kept going.

She’s hopeful Prince Albert residents will come out and take in the races.

“Everybody come and enjoy the weather,” she said. “It’s going to be beautiful.”

The mushers meeting is 11 a.m. on Saturday, with the Buck Meridith Memorial Race schedule for 11:30, the Six Dog Race scheduled for noon, the Park Range Three Dog Jr. Race scheduled for 1 p.m., and the Sask 10 Dog Sled Dog Championship scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Sunday races will begin at noon with the six dog race, followed by the four dog race at 1 p.m., and the Sask 10 Dog Sled Dog Championship at 2 p.m.

Dog Sled Rides and Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are free with a Prince Albert Winter Festival button.

E.A. Rawlinson Centre welcomes new GM to Prince Albert

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
E.A. Rawlinson Centre welcomes new GM to Prince Albert

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

The E.A. Rawlinson Centre welcomed its new general manager with a public reception on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

The evening event residents from Prince Albert and the surrounding communities to meet new GM Cory Philley, who

“Everybody has been so welcoming,” Philley said.

“It’s so beautiful here. I know it’s really cold right now, but it’s really beautiful here. From the volunteers to the staff to the City employees, every time I come in everybody’s been excited to see me, and happy to see me and happy to do things for me. It’s been really, really great. The nice thing about being in a small space is everybody is aware of your presence and wants to say hello and that’s cool.”

Philley takes over the role with plenty of experience, having worked in almost every aspect of the theatrical world. She started out acting, but eventually moved into other production roles, including 20 years working as an artistic director at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby, just outside Vancouver.

Philley said she loved the experience, but wanted to try something different. She worked in the non-profit world for the last three years, but missed working at an arts facility.

“It’s really a privilege to have one,” she said. “(It grants) the ability to get your foot in the door within a community and to affect community engagement and to bring people together and connect people. That’s just really cool and you don’t get it everywhere.”

Philley said she particularly liked that the facility was owned by the City of Prince Albert. She was impressed by the work done so far, and wants to continue building on it.

“Here I see lots of great work that has been done,” she said. “The legacy is amazing, and also, it’s part of my nature as a human (and) part of my nature also as and arts administrator, to (ask) ‘how do we open doors (and) make sure that everybody has the feeling that this is a place for them, that we are actually able and willing, and committed to showing everybody in the community and to making everybody feel (welcome).”

While stating her vision for the coming years, Philley said the Rawlinson has plenty of space to help develop local artists, and make them feel like they are a part of the community.

When asked about supporting local artists, Philley said the On Stage series has been terrific. She definitely wants the Rawlinson to do more for local artists, but is still working out how that will look.

She said possibilities include residencies for local artists, or more shows. She said it’s something the Rawlinson has done a good job of in the past, but they can always do more.

E.A. Rawlinson has always operated an open door policy and the new GM, who will resume office fully in April, promised that she will keep that policy going.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

SaskExpress set to hold auditions in Prince Albert for their summer tour

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
SaskExpress set to hold auditions in Prince Albert for their summer tour

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

One of Saskatchewan’s longest running artistic companies will be in Prince Albert on March 1 searching for local talent.

SaskExpress plans to hold auditions for their summer show at the Margo Fournier Arts Centre, starting at 1 p.m. on March 1. The auditions are open to performers ages 15 and older.
“For me personally it’s awesome,” SaskExpress Artistic Director and CEO Danny Balkwill said. “It’s one of my favourite things, getting to see what’s out there in this province.”

Balkwill said they’re looking for performers who, can sing, dance, and act, but emphasized that not everyone needs to be ‘Broadway caliber’. In fact, he said the organization enjoys finding and working with raw talent.

“You see these kinds of diamonds in the rough, I call them, where they have all this ability but it hasn’t had a place to grow and nourish,” Balkwill explained. “It’s so exciting for me to sometimes give these people an opportunity and work with them and watch how far and how fast they grow. It’s always an exciting adventure for me.”

The two biggest things SaskExpress is looking for is how coachable a candidate is, and whether they can tell a story through song, dance, or spoken-word during their audition.

“I think storytelling is the most important aspect,” Balkwill said. “Whether that’s through a dance and they want to convey emotion or whether that’s through their song, I like people who make strong choices and come ready to perform.”

“They might come in with some great choices for a monologue or scene, and I might give them a change and say, ‘hey, try it this way,’” he added. “Sometimes, even if I thought their performance was amazing, I’ll do that just to see how flexible they are, how they can take direction, things like that. It’s being open in the room. It’s being ready to work.”

Balkwill said Prince Albert performers have a long history of success with Saskatchewan Express. He took over in 2017 and had two Prince Albert performers in his first year: Shania Cabilao and Jennifer Brown.

Balkwill said they were both fantastic performers who were able to hone their skills with SaskExpress.

The performers will have the opportunity to travel across Saskatchewan this summer and visit a number of Saskatchewan parks, while also growing their skills, learn the ins and outs of putting on a show, including tech, staging, sound and lighting components, and make some amazing new friends.

Artists who cannot attend the March 1 audition in person are invited to provide a video submission. To sign-up for auditions, visit saskexpress.com/saskexpress/auditions.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

The search is on

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
The search is on

Job fair draws students to Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prince Albert Campus held one of its career fairs earlier in the day on Thursday at their Technical Building.

The fair allows students to have a first hand contact with prospective employers and to also broaden their knowledge of their careers.
“The turnout has been great, I have over 65 employers here from all over the Province. Luckily I didn’t have anybody cancel because of the crazy weather. It’s been super cold,” Melissa Flinn, the Student Employment Coordinator at Saskatchewan Polytechnic said. “The turnout for the employers has been wonderful and for the students, we don’t have an head count yet but it’s been a full gym this morning.

“When the employers come to the careers fairs, it’s an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their networking skills with professionals and obtain invaluable information for their job search and learn more about their potential career paths,” she added. “Sask Polytech has a 96 per cent overall graduate employment rate. The Career fairs are great opportunity for employers to meet their future employees.”

As a Saskatchewan Polytechnic student, this kind of fair gives the opportunity to connect with employers and explore career options at on-campus career fairs.

“This has been Prince Albert largest career fair at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in a long, it’s been a great day so far,” Flinn added.
At the event there were about 60 different employers that had stands and interacted with roughly 600-800 students.

Jason Kerr/Daily Herald — Students work their way past a line of booths during the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Job Fair on Thursday.

For students like Benedicta Thomas, it was good chance to see the available opportunities.
“This my second job fair I’m attending at the Polytech,” she said. “It’s nice. The first one I was aware of a lot of stuff … where to apply, how to apply and then I applied and I actually got the job from this job fair.”

Thomas is a second year student studying Early Childhood Education. Since she has a good idea of where she’ll end up after graduating, Thurday’s event was about helping her daughter.

“My daughter is in grade 11 and she has interest in the armed forces so I spoke with the Army and the Navy and got information for her,” Thomas said. “Its really useful, I got cards and flyers.”

The four hour fair gives the students the assurance that they will get employed after their studies.

“It’s a good one. At the fair you always get more information and ideas about jobs, where to work and what they do,” Thomas said.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

The Talking Quilt from James Smith Cree Nation finds permanent home at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
The Talking Quilt from James Smith Cree Nation finds permanent home at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus

Residential school experience still very difficult to talk about says former student

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

In a solemn and emotion laden ceremony held at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus Gymnasium on Feb. 6, a group of James Smith Cree Nation women handed over quilt that symbolizes healing and truth telling.

Representatives from Saskatchewan Polytechnic accepted The Talking Quilt for safe keeping after it was kept for about 20 years by the women who made it. Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Larry Rosia said they were honoured to receive it.

“The courage of this group of matriarchs is a true gift,” Rosia said in his opening remarks. “The women sharing their stories of healing and resilience, sharing their truths and turning over the care of this special creation that grew out of their healing to us for safe keeping is a gift, is not only a gift, it is an inspiration.”
Rosia said he appreciated how the James Smith Cree Nation Women trusted the Polytechnic to take care of the quilt.
“It will remind us each day of the importance of truth in our reconciliation efforts,” Rosia said during the ceremony. “It will inform and strengthen our commitment to … good relationships. It will symbolize and signify the resilience of indigenous communities and our indigenous students, faculty and staff who choose Saskatchewan Polytechnic.”
Founder Ruby Head started working on the quilt in 2000. Soon, other women gathered to sew quilt squares while sharing stories of hardships, including residential school experiences and abuse they have experienced over the course of their lives.

Each square tells a unique story about their own personal journey, or their family’s journey. The quilt became known as the Talking Quilt, since the women shared their experiences while sewing squares together.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic researchers first became aware of the quilt while interviewing James Smith Cree Nation residents for a research project looking at possible interventions and gaps in services following the mass stabbing that took place in the community in 2022.
Elder Sandra Head shared the story of the Talking Quilt with

Eileen Zaba, a Sask Polytech Psychiatric Nursing faculty member and researcher, and Lindsey Boechler, Sask Polytech Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS) researcher, met Elder Sandra Head at a gas station one day, and after chatting, Head agreed to be interviewed as part of the project.

During follow-up discussions, Head told researchers about The Talking Quilt, and how it helped women recover from past trauma. Head said the previous keeper of the quilt had died, and they needed someone to take care of it. Zaba then suggested Sask Polytechnic may be interested in filling the role.

Zaba said keeping the quilt would allow students and faculty to learn about the history of the residential school experience. Zaba added that many of the women who helped create the quilt were Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates.

“The Saskatchewan Polytechnic journey … had become a part of their healing journey, which was amazing to me,” Zaba said during the ceremony. “I thought, ‘yes, the quilt does belong here.’”
Head told those in attendance the quilt creators first met in Melfort to begin their work. She said it was very difficult at times.

“When we were making this quilt we shared many stories with the women that were involved—even talking about the residential schools back then, it was difficult for a lot of us,” Head explained. “We had to talk about our experiences in the residential (schools) and how it affected all of us women. When we were making this quilt we cried, we laughed, we shared stories. I don’t know how many months it took us. We did a few presentations with the quilt and it’s very difficult to talk about just because it still affects us today. It affects me, and I had to learn to move on.”

After finishing the quilt, Head said the group of women wen their separate ways and put the quilt away for 20 years. When the keeper passed away, the women began looking for a new home.

“When I bumped into Eileen, she offered this place because I didn’t know what to do with it,” Head said. “I’m glad that the quilt will be here.

Head said The Talking Quilt is a vessel of healing. She said the creation process was the first time some women had talked about their hurt and pain. She hoped it would now become a learning resource for Saskatchewan Polytechnic students.

Three of the original creators, Ruby Head, Albertine Moostoos, and Sophia (Tarry) Whitehead have passed away since the blanket was created. Head said they were “very vocal” and a big part of the blanket’s creation.

Head also acknowledged the rest of the group who were present for the ceremony.
Rhonda Sanderson was one of those creators. She attended residential school as her parents and grandparents did before her. Her grandparents and parents talked very little about their experience, although she noticed her father would get very angry and upset when his old school, Gordon’s Residential School, was in the news.

Sanderson said it was common for older generations to not talk about their experience. Once she opened up and started talking about the abuse she suffered, her parents did too.

“I know my parents blamed themselves for the abuse that I went through,” Sanderson said. “They kept telling me that they were sorry and (asking) why didn’t I say anything or why didn’t I tell? I was like, ‘I was too scared.’”

Sanderson and a group of other women eventually took their residential school abuser to court. She said she wasn’t prepared for the anger or rage that swelled during the proceedings. The experience was hard, and on the advice of her father, she entered treatment. She’s been sober for nearly 30 years since.

“It’s not easy to talk about stuff, but I’ve had great mentors,” Sanderson said. “When I first started talking about residential school abuse I was 20 and nobody was talking about it. It wasn’t something that was talked about, and given the opportunity to share my story with other women—the memories we have—it was fun. Like Sandra said, it was healing.”

In a press release, Saskatchewan Polytechnic said that by displaying The Talking Quilt, students and staff can share in the James Smith Cree women’s oral history.

“This project helps educate students, employees and leadership about Indigenous experiences and resilience,” she said. “It also supports several Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (CTA) including CTA 62 which focuses on incorporating Indigenous history, knowledge and perspectives into post-secondary education.”

SaskEnergy partners with YWCA to Share the Warmth

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
SaskEnergy partners with YWCA to Share the Warmth

Uko Akpanuko

Daily Herald

SaskEnergy and the Prince Albert YWCA joined hands to give back to the local community as part of SaskEnergy’s Share the Warmth Days Program.

SaskEnergy employees were on hand to give out essential items, and serve hot beverages and snacks to vulnerable community members at the YWCA’s Community Connection Centre on Tuesday.
This is the fifth of six Share the Warmth programs held across the province marking the 30th anniversary of SaskEnergy’s Share the Warmth program.
“We are proud to be collaborating with the YWCA in Prince Albert. Their work and their commitment to providing shelter and supportive services and programs really demonstrates the purpose of the Share the Warmth program,” Allix Schweitzer, SaskEnergy’s Supervisor of Community Engagement, said in a press release. “Through the program, SaskEnergy wants to support community organizations like the YWCA do what they do best, which is provide support to those who need it the most.”
Infinity Credit Union was also provided support for an ID clinic to offer assistance with obtaining Canadian birth certificates and Saskatchewan ID.
In addition to helping hand out supplies, the Prince Albert YWCA also received a Share the Warmth grant.

“We are grateful to SaskEnergy for their generosity through the Share the Warmth program. This funding will help us purchase supplies like warm clothing, food and water that people in our community need day-to-day,” said PJ MacRae, Manager, YWCA Community Connection Centre in Prince Albert. “SaskEnergy’s support through this program means we are able to help more people and that’s really important.”
Starting out as a sweater recycling program in the ‘90s that redistributed more than a million articles of clothing, Share the Warmth has transformed over the last decade into a grassroots initiative that supports charitable organizations in bringing warm shelter, clothing and mental health services to those who need it most. Each year, SaskEnergy provides grants up to $1,000 to support organizations in launching their Share the Warmth projects.
Some coffee, snacks and an essential bag were handed out to the members of the community. At least 50 residents visited Tuesday morning and were given coffee, snacks and essential bags containing some warm materials.
“The demand is there daily,” MacRae said. “We have regular faces that come to us with needs for warm pair and snacks and then we are always seeing new faces too which is on one hand concerning and on the other hand we are happy with those new faces.”
This event is part of celebrating the program’s 30th anniversary and SaskEnergy has invested $100,000 in grants to charitable organizations across the province this year, doubling last year’s total. Since 2012, SaskEnergy has provided over half a million dollars and has supported more than 500 community organizations throughout the province through Share the Warmth grants.
Other Share the Warmth projects taking place throughout the province will provide a wide range of services to those in need including lessons on how to knit and cook nutritious meals, providing transportation services, and supplying winter boots and essential winter gear for children.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

editorial@paherld.sk.ca

Winter Festival to host chili cook-off on Wednesday

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
Winter Festival to host chili cook-off on Wednesday

Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald

Fried fish has been a regular staple at past Prince Albert Winter Festivals, but this year organizers are looking for a change of flavor.

On Wednesday, the festival will host its first ever Chili Cook-Off from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PA Exhibition Centre, replacing the annual fish fry.


“We are just trying to do a little of change up to see if we can get more people involved,” said Chili Cook-Off organizer Shawn Roberts. “The Fish Fry takes a lot of time and energy to do…. We thought it (the cook-off) would be a fun event where teams could compete in a fun way…. It’s not for a million dollars or anything. It’s for fun.”

Roberts said there are 12 local teams confirmed for the cook-off. The teams have the option to create themes and dress in costume.

“We put a maximum of 15 (teams),” Roberts said. “I was hoping to 10 to 15, so we’re right where we want to be.”

Competitors will be judged by a panel before selling their chili to the public. Entrance to the event is free with a Winter Festival Button. Chili and Bannock are available for $5 each.

Local band The Project will be on hand to provide the music.


Roberts said he hopes everyone who comes out will have a fun time.

“We’re going to have good judges, good teams. We’ve got The Project playing music in the background, so fun times. We’re going to listen to some good music and enjoy some good chili. If they come early to watch the judges, I’m sure that will be a fun time too.”

Judging begins at 10:30 a.m. Roberts said they’re hoping to be done by 11 a.m. so they can start selling chili.

The Prince Albert Winter Festival officially began on Friday with the first night of the Country North Show at the Exhibition Centre. The show will run again at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, with the cabaret scheduled for 10 p.m. The Winter Festival Fiddle Show is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Exhibition Centre.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Suncrest College announces revamped CCA program to help meet SHA staffing needs

Uko Akpanuko
-
0
Suncrest College announces revamped CCA program to help meet SHA staffing needs

Revamped CCA program to begin in August


Uko Akpanuko, Daily Herald

Suncrest College has revamped its Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program in Melfort in an effort to help alleviate health staffing challenges in the region.


The new program, which will begin August 2025, will see students spend three days in a classroom per week. Suncrest College vice-president of Academics and Learner Engagement Teri Thompson said this will allow students time to find employment and earn while they learn.

“We are pretty excited about the opportunity that it presents to students in terms of their ability to complete their program in a timely manner while still being able to work,” Thompson said in an interview with the Daily Herald. “We know that a large number of CCA students are employed in the field or actively looking to be employed in the field, so this really is a great opportunity that benefits both the employer and the students and doesn’t take the time that a part time program does.”

In a press release, the college said students can work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority while studying in the CCA program, but program scheduling often prevents working students from completing the program within a year. The goal of the new program is to remove that obstacle.

“We have been trying to find ways to make our full time CCA program more attractive to students,” Thompson said. “It’s a high demand program in terms of employment. It is not always a high demand program in terms of student recruitment, so we’ve been actively looking for ways to encourage students to enter into this field, knowing that it meets a regional demand and a huge demand for the SHA.”

Looking to the future, the college said additional recruits will be needed in long-term care homes, home care and acute care facilities. Thompson said student opportunities like the revamped CCA program are vital to addressing regional staffing needs.

“The Ideal for us would be to see this program full of domestic students and to see students really having a great opportunity to engage with the content and the workforce at the same time and to bring that knowledge back into the classroom so they increase their ability to see the relevance of their training, and be better employees from day one,” Thompson said. “Also, I think there’s a huge opportunity here for this to alleviate student debt. To be able to work while you’re going to school is a great opportunity for these students.”

Applications are currently being accepted and the course will run from Aug. 2025 to June 2026 with a capacity of 24 students each batch.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

1...456...9Page 5 of 9