Health Workers Offered Cash To Work In The North

Health Workers Offered Cash To Work In The North

Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 15:03

The provincial government is offering cash incentives to lure health professionals to work in remote areas of Saskatchewan.

As part of the initiatives announced yesterday, health care workers who agree to work in northern Saskatchewan are eligible to receive a $7,000 return-for-service grant for a one-year commitment, and $15,000 for a two-year commitment.

And, any health professional that agrees to live in a northern community during that time is eligible for an additional $5,000 for a one-year commitment and $10,000 for two years.

Health Minister Len Taylor says existing northern health care workers don’t need to be concerned about what newcomers will be getting.

He says health care professionals already working in the North won’t have to wait too long for an announcement regarding enhanced northern retention programs.

Two committees assigned to review the issue are expected to forward their recommendations to the government next month.