Released on September 16, 2010
Premier Brad Wall today fulfilled his government's commitment for $200 million to the Saskatoon Health Region for construction of the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan.
"The Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan will serve our province's sick children, and will be a hub of research, knowledge and learning for professionals dedicated to children's health," Wall said. "I would like to thank and congratulate everyone on the Children's Hospital Foundation who have raised money and worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.
"I understand there is a planning meeting with the project architects next week, so the Saskatoon Health Region and the Children's Hospital Foundation can proceed secure in the knowledge that government funding for this project is in place."
"As we move forward in our planning for this facility, we are grateful for the leadership and support of the Government of Saskatchewan," Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Board chairperson Jim Rhode said. "This investment in the health of the mothers, children and families of Saskatchewan will pay dividends for generations to come."
"The government's leadership is being matched with unprecedented support from the people of Saskatchewan, who are responding to the Children's Hospital Capital Campaign," Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan CEO Brynn Boback-Lane said.
Provincial funding for the hospital project was announced in the 2008-09 provincial budget. The $200 million cheque presented today represents $5 million that was already provided to Saskatoon Health Region for project planning and design, and a further transfer of $195 million of the proceeds from the sale of the Saskferco fertilizer plant, held by the Crown Investments Corporation.
The Children's Hospital Foundation is raising $25 million to support research, innovation and family-centred care in the new hospital.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927