Finding a family doctor is a challenge these days in Moose Jaw.

While we have many hard-working physicians, there is a growing need for more doctors.

One of the ways to address that shortage is to increasing training options for medical students.

Our government recently announced a $2 million investment in the Saskatchewan Academic Health Sciences Network (SAHSN) to enhance training for health sciences students and to assist in meeting our province’s need for physicians and nurses. Under the new plan, medical students will be able to complete some of their studies in Regina. Studies have shown that physicians who experience practice in a variety of settings during their training are more likely to work outside the larger centers once they graduate.

This is in addition to several other initiatives by our government to improve access to healthcare, including:
• Expanded enrollment in the U of S College of Medicine;
• A new, comprehensive Physician Recruitment Strategy and the establishment of a Physician Recruitment Agency;
• More training seats for nurses;
• The creation of 608 more full-time nursing positions (FTEs) as part of our commitment to create 700 more FTEs by 2011.

As Moose Jaw grows, so too does the demand for healthcare services. Our government is taking action to address that demand.

It was a busy week in the Friendly City, as we played host to many worthwhile events.

Since the Saskatchewan Party formed government in 2007, we have taken action to improve the quality of life for Moose Jaw residents. Before the spring session of the legislature begins, I would like to highlight some of the positive upgrades and improvements the city of Moose Jaw has received over the past two years.

Our government has invested in improvements to healthcare in Moose Jaw.

• $450,000 in funding for advanced capital planning for improved healthcare facilities for Moose Jaw and area.
• $66,625 training for physical and occupational therapists, education for Licensed Practical Nurses and expansion of Tele-Health education in Five Hills Health Region.
• $650,000 from the Ministry of Health toward the new Intensive Care Unit.
• $6.6 million for repairs in the Five Hills Heath Region, including the Union Hospital.
• Increased assistance to people with disabilities.
• Doubled the Seniors Income Plan.

Our government has invested in infrastructure in Moose Jaw.

• $3.5 million for City of Moose Jaw upgrades.
• $168,000 improvements to the Municipal Airport for taxiways and apron upgrades.
• $8.5 million in funding commitment for the new Multiplex.
• 120 more childcare spaces in two new locations.
• $90,000 in funding for the Rural Municipalities of Terrel and Baildon.
• Expanded Agricultural Regional Service Office in Moose Jaw.

Our government has invested in education in Moose Jaw.

• $21,000 for pre-kindergarten enhancements at Sacred Heart Community School.
• $412,000 for health and safety upgrades at Central Collegiate.
• $24,000 to improve accessibility at Peacock Collegiate.
• $440,000 for mechanical system upgrades at St. Agnes School.

Like many people across Saskatchewan, I have been watching closely as events unfolded in Haiti in the days following the devastating earthquake on January 12. Life will never be the same for the Haitian people, and it is incumbent upon us to do what we can to help. Many of you have already donated to the charitable organizations coordinating relief efforts, but the need will be there for some time to come. I have confidence people in Moose Jaw and across Saskatchewan will take action, as they have in past disasters, to reach out a helping hand to Haitian families devastated by the earthquake.

As a government, we provided $250,000 to the Red Cross for use in the Haitian earthquake relief effort from the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. Media organizations across the province, including the community radio stations here in Moose Jaw as well as the Times Herald, have devoted either all or part of their programming and paper space to solicit donations for well-established charitable organizations.

Despite the tragedy these disasters produce, they also remind us of what is truly important in life, and the obligation we have to assist those who are suffering.