The Saskatchewan N-D-P is promising to establish Community Advisory Networks within 100 days if elected, giving communities such as Prince Albert a direct voice in healthcare planning and decision-making.

The announcement comes as the party criticizes the Saskatchewan government over long surgical wait times and physician shortages.

An N-D-P news release notes that legislation creating the Saskatchewan Health Authority in 2017 included provisions for Community Advisory Networks, but those provisions were never implemented.

The N-D-P says local input has been lost through healthcare centralization and argues communities should have greater involvement in shaping services.

Deputy Leader Vicki Mowat also questioned the government’s plan for the Victoria Hospital expansion in Prince Albert, saying there is no plan to staff the additional beds.

The healthcare announcement follows previous N-D-P commitments to improve access to primary care teams and family doctors.