The Sask Party’s 0.1% Health Plan

The banner headline, in block capitals, on the front page of yesterday’s Regina Leader-Post was “SASK. PARTY HAS FIVE-POINT HEALTH PLAN.”

That’s accurate reporting, as far as it goes. The Saskatchewan Party did announce a healthcare plan featuring five points.

It would have been similarly accurate to report that this announcement was accompanied by a six-page backgrounder.  However, it would be nice to read some context for the numbers, especially those with dollar signs in front of them.

The Sask Party health plan tops out at $10.8 million per year, of which $5 million is a re-announcement of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society program.  So, the Sask Party has promised up to $5.8 million annually of new money for healthcare. That’s just 0.1% of Saskatchewan Health’s 2011-12 budget.