Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit has accepted his first cabinet position as the Minister for Rural and Remote Health, replacing Tim McMillan.
Ottenbreit says he was honoured and humbled to be able to serve in cabinet, and he says that this is something that all elected officials will strive for in their career.
"It's not a privilege that many people get, and it's a whole lot more work admittedly. But, it's something that any elected person in the province would probably want to serve in cabinet... Not to say you don't have a lot of impact as it is, our caucus is very open... But being at the cabinet table and making those important decisions is the next step and means a larger impact for our area and for the province."
Ottenbreit says that his previous positions in the government, including various positions as legislative secretary as well as deputy whip and government whip, has prepared him to take over a cabinet portfolio.
He also says that his personal history also helps give him perspective on the patient side of health care, with his long-term cancer charity work after losing his son to cancer, as well as a more recent experience losing his father to the disease. He says that these experiences have given him the opportunity to view health in the province from different angles, whether from behind the scenes or from the patient's viewpoint, which gives a unique perspective on what works, what does not, and areas where the province's health can be improved.
"Having that personal experience really helps to bring something to the position."
The plan for the portfolio is to build on what the government has done over the past several years, Ottenbreit says, and he believes that rural health is in a good place to start with. However, he says his goal with the portfolio is to look at the areas where improvement is necessary and examine what needs to be done to improve access to health for more remote areas. Recruitment and retention of physicians will be a major focus for the ministry, though Ottenbreit says that they have been seeing good results through international recruitment programs, expansion of medical seats and education incentives.
"We have more of a pool to draw from. Matching those doctors to communities where they would fit can be a bit of a challenge, but the regions and recruitment agencies are doing good work."
The first day on the job involved a couple major announcements for the province, with the sod-turning for the Children's Hospital in Saskatoon as well as the unveiling of the new STARS AW139 helicopter.
"That's a good day in health I'd say."
