27-05-2025
Sask. NDP calls for free parking at hospital emergency departments
WATCH: The NDP opposition is calling for free parking at hospital emergency departments. Wayne Mantyka has more.
The NDP opposition is calling for free parking at hospital emergency departments. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) implemented the parking fees about a year and a half ago.
The NDP believe it's wrong to ask emergency patients to pay for parking while seeking urgent care.
'We've been very clear, we definitely don't feel people should be charged in emergency situations you know visiting the ER,' MLA Meara Conway said during an event Monday.
Conway says she recently received her share of parking tickets while visiting a loved one in hospital.
'Especially when you've got a new app. People are really struggling to download that app. Can they pay on the machine? Can they pay by phone? I got a few parking tickets myself because it's the last thing you're thinking about when you're in that kind of situation,' she said.
Some health care users, like Farrah Dorian, feel parking should be free for all hospital visitors.
'I don't really think it's appropriate and no one should have to pay to see their loved ones, right Especially if they're injured or they're on their deathbed. I don't think it's fair,' she said.
Nova Scotia has cancelled hospital parking fees all together.
'People that are going to visit loved ones, or you know struggling with a diagnosis or interaction with the health care system, health care professionals, they won't have to worry about paying for parking so it's a good thing,' Premier Tim Houston said during that announcement.
The Government of Saskatchewan says it is working on a response.
While the Sask. NDP is calling for free parking for cancer and for emergency patients, the opposition is not certain whether that courtesy should be extended to all visitors and staff.
It's currently studying the financial situation before suggesting what the government should do.
