File photo Urgent Care Centre Regina

The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with First Nations in the province to develop the Urgent Care Centre in Prince Albert.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the government is with Big River First Nation (BRFN) and Montreal Lake Cree Nation (MLCN).

In a news release Big River First Nation Chief and Big River First Nation’s Economic Development Corporation President Jonathan Bear said’ “Owning the land and facility secures lasting benefits for our people while supporting the province’s Patients First program – a true win-win.”

The news release goes on to say that the MOU is a first step in establishing the partnership. As the project planning progresses, subsequent partnership agreements may be negotiated between government, and the two First Nations. .

Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce McLeod said, “This initiative is about improving access to care and creating better outcomes for people throughout the Prince Albert region, particularly in the areas of mental health and addictions,” .

The Prince Albert UCC is one of five centres in the works with additional centres in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and North Battleford.

Construction is already underway on the Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre located at the former Pleasant Hill School site at 215 Avenue S South, near St. Paul’s Hospital.

The provincial government and Saskatchewan Health Authority have come under fire for not being able to adequately staff the only existing UCC in Regina, as evidenced by restricted hours it periodically experiences in addition to not ever having been able to be open 24/7 as was touted when being built.