Released on February 26, 2007
The Government of Saskatchewan has moved to proclaim sections of the Midwifery Act, in anticipation of Saskatchewan’s first publicly funded midwifery services becoming available in spring 2007.
Proclamation of these sections of the Midwifery Act allows for establishment of a Transitional Council. The Transitional Council is an interim measure until such time as a full College of Midwifery can be established. Initially the Transitional Council will have the authority to enact bylaws and manage and regulate the affairs and business of the midwifery profession.
“By recruiting midwives to Saskatchewan, we are creating an excellent option for many childbearing women and families seeking a healthy pregnancy, positive birth experience and healthy mother and child,” Health Minister Len Taylor said.
The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region will be the first to offer this service and has begun its efforts to recruit midwives to Saskatchewan. Presently, two midwives from Saskatchewan are attending an assessment and bridging program in Ontario. Each has been awarded a bursary of $7,000 with a return of service agreement in place. A return of service agreement requires bursary participants to return to Saskatchewan to practise midwifery. A second bursary program will offer two bursaries of $7,000 each for fourth year midwifery students registered in a recognized Canadian midwifery education program. It too will feature a return of service commitment.
Midwives are registered health care professionals who provide primary care to women with low risk pregnancies. All midwives will need to be licensed in Saskatchewan before practising; they will need specific qualifications and education to work within provincial regulations and legislations, as do other health professionals.
In November 2005, the Government of Saskatchewan committed in its Throne Speech to bring publicly funded midwifery services to the province.
More midwifery service sites will be developed in Saskatchewan as recruitment and resources allow.
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For more information, contact:
Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca