STANDING
COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
MINUTE NO. 4
8:33 a.m. — māmawapiwin náyati room
(Room 8)
1. Present: Trent Wotherspoon in the chair and members David Chan, Brad Crassweller, Hugh Gordon, Joan Pratchler, Darlene Rowden,* and Sean Wilson.
Substituting Members
Darlene Rowden for Hon. Daryl Harrison
Provincial Auditor’s Office
Tara Clemett,
Provincial Auditor
Jason Wandy,
Deputy Provincial Auditor
Kim Lowe, Principal
Kayo Pereira, Assistant
Manager
Provincial Comptroller’s Office
Chris Bayda, Provincial Comptroller
Jane Borland, Assistant Provincial Comptroller
2. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle
Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Tobie
Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Devon Exner,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and
Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Giselle
Marcotte, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Sean Burnett,
Executive Director, Housing
Erin Kiefer,
Executive Director, Finance
Kari Paton,
Executive Director, Child and Family Programs
Jeff Redekop, Executive Director, Community Living Service
Delivery
Ksenia Regel,
Executive Director, Income Assistance
Sterling
Snider, Executive Director, Disability Programs
3. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of
Social Services: status update, dated January 22, 2025
(PAC 17-30)
4. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 110 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services provide potential clients with better access to apply for benefits from the Saskatchewan Income Support Program.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
5. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 116 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services establish a reasonable timeframe for completing initial planning meetings with those clients requiring case management supports in the Saskatchewan Income Support Program.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
6. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 117 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend Ministry of Social Services staff regularly meet with Saskatchewan Income Support Program clients to follow up on their individualized case plan goals.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
7. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 118 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services refer Saskatchewan Income Support Program clients to proper supports (e.g., employment services, addictions counselling) when appropriate, and regularly follow up on referrals with clients.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
8. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 121 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services implement further performance measures in assessing the effectiveness of the Saskatchewan Income Support Program.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
9. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 123 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 7, Social Services — Delivering the Saskatchewan Income Support Program:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services periodically analyze the causes of evictions and unpaid utilities for Saskatchewan Income Support Program clients, and develop strategies to address them.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
10. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 29, Social Services — Investigating Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Tobie Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Devon Exner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Giselle Marcotte, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Sean Burnett, Executive Director, Housing
Erin Kiefer, Executive Director, Finance
Kari Paton, Executive Director, Child and Family Programs
Jeff Redekop, Executive Director, Community Living Service Delivery
Ksenia Regel, Executive Director, Income Assistance
Sterling Snider, Executive Director, Disability Programs
11. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 29, Social Services — Investigating Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect.
12. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 21, Social Services — Monitoring Foster Families.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Tobie Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Devon Exner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Giselle Marcotte, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Sean Burnett, Executive Director, Housing
Erin Kiefer, Executive Director, Finance
Kari Paton, Executive Director, Child and Family Programs
Jeff Redekop, Executive Director, Community Living Service Delivery
Ksenia Regel, Executive Director, Income Assistance
Sterling Snider, Executive Director, Disability Programs
13. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 21, Social Services — Monitoring Foster Families.
14. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 22, Social Services — Supervising Community-Based Organizations Delivering Programs to Intellectually Disabled People.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Tobie Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Devon Exner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Giselle Marcotte, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Sean Burnett, Executive Director, Housing
Erin Kiefer, Executive Director, Finance
Kari Paton, Executive Director, Child and Family Programs
Jeff Redekop, Executive Director, Community Living Service Delivery
Ksenia Regel, Executive Director, Income Assistance
Sterling Snider, Executive Director, Disability Programs
15. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 22, Social Services — Supervising Community-Based Organizations Delivering Programs to Intellectually Disabled People.
16. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services.
17. The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle
Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Tobie
Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Devon Exner,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and
Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Giselle
Marcotte, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Sean Burnett,
Executive Director, Housing
Erin Kiefer,
Executive Director, Finance
Kari Paton,
Executive Director, Child and Family Programs
Jeff Redekop, Executive Director, Community Living Service
Delivery
Ksenia Regel,
Executive Director, Income Assistance
Sterling
Snider, Executive Director, Disability Programs
18. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services.
19. The committee recessed from 10:42 a.m. until 10:52 a.m.
20. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Analyzing Surgical Biopsies in Regina and Saskatoon Labs and 2024 report volume 2, chapter 26, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Analyzing Surgical Biopsies in Regina and Saskatoon Labs.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
21. The following document was tabled:
Saskatchewan
Health Authority: status update, dated January 22, 2025
(PAC 18-30)
22. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Analyzing Surgical Biopsies in Regina and Saskatoon Labs and 2024 report volume 2, chapter 26, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Analyzing Surgical Biopsies in Regina and Saskatoon Labs.
23. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 20, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Maintaining Healthcare Facilities in Saskatoon and Surrounding Areas.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
24. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 20, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Maintaining Healthcare Facilities in Saskatoon and Surrounding Areas.
25. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 18, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Triaging Emergency Department Patients in Saskatoon Hospitals.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
26. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 18, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Triaging Emergency Department Patients in Saskatoon Hospitals.
27. The committee recessed from 12:18 p.m. until 1:17 p.m.
28. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Safe and Timely Discharge of Patients from Regina Hospitals.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
29. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Safe and Timely Discharge of Patients from Regina Hospitals.
30. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 24, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Minimizing Employee Absenteeism in Kindersley and Surrounding Areas.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
31. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 24, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Minimizing Employee Absenteeism in Kindersley and Surrounding Areas.
32. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 25, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Overseeing Contracted Special-Care Homes in Saskatoon and Surrounding Area.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
33. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 25, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Overseeing Contracted Special-Care Homes in Saskatoon and Surrounding Area.
34. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 26, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Providing Timely Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services in Prince Albert and Surrounding Areas.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
35. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 26, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Providing Timely Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services in Prince Albert and Surrounding Areas.
36. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 1, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing and Controlling Hospital-Acquired Infections in the Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals and 2024 report volume 1, chapter 18, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing and Controlling Hospital-Acquired Infections in the Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
37. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 1, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing and Controlling Hospital-Acquired Infections in the Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals and 2024 report volume 1, chapter 18, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing and Controlling Hospital-Acquired Infections in the Regina General and Pasqua Hospitals.
38. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
39. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 113 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority work with its partners to update the Provincial Tuberculosis Strategy, with input from high-risk populations and communities.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
40. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 118 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority track and assess when individuals are notified about tuberculosis cases during contact investigations.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
41. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 121 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority utilize criteria to determine an appropriate treatment delivery method(s) for patients with tuberculosis.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
42. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 122 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority determine the most efficient and effective tuberculosis care model (i.e., virtual, clinical) to use for tuberculosis care in the province.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
43. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 124 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority set clear expectations for making the public aware of tuberculosis outbreaks.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
44. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 126 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Preventing the Spread of Tuberculosis:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority analyze and report on key information related to tuberculosis services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
45. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 17, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Accessible and Responsive Ground Ambulance Services in Southwest Saskatchewan.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
46. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 17, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Accessible and Responsive Ground Ambulance Services in Southwest Saskatchewan.
47. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 27, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Efficient Use of MRIs in Regina.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
48. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 27, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Efficient Use of MRIs in Regina.
49. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 4, Saskatchewan Health Authority; 2023 report volume 2, chapter 8, Saskatchewan Health Authority; and 2024 report volume 2, chapter 8, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
Tracey Smith, Deputy Minister
Ingrid Kirby, Assistant Deputy Minister
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Victoria Zhang, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Thompson, Chief Financial Officer
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Sheila Anderson, Vice-President, Integrated Regina Health
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Andrew McLetchie, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health and Chief
Nursing Officer
Michelle Mula, Vice-President, Quality, Safety
and Chief Information Officer
Bryan Witt, Vice-President, Provincial Clinical and Support Services
50. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 4, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
51. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 54 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 8, Saskatchewan Health Authority:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority document and share an overall lessons learned report for the AIMS project with other government agencies.
52. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 8, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
53. The committee recessed from 4:31 p.m. until 4:38 p.m.
54. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 24, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Securing the Data Centre.
The following Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Rebecca Carter,
Deputy Minister
Paul Maindonald, Assistant Deputy Minister, Information and
Technology
Jill Zimmer,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Strategy and Services
Fuad Iddrisu,
Executive Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management
Brent
Pritchard, Senior Director, Internal Audit
55. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement: Status update, dated January 22,
2025
(PAC 19-30)
56. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 1, chapter 24, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Securing the Data Centre.
57. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 7, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Responding to Cyberattacks.
The following Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Rebecca Carter,
Deputy Minister
Paul Maindonald, Assistant Deputy Minister, Information and Technology
Jill Zimmer,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Strategy and Services
Fuad Iddrisu,
Executive Director, Cyber Security and Risk Management
Brent
Pritchard, Senior Director, Internal Audit
58. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 133 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 7, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Responding to Cyberattacks:
We recommend the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement centrally and continuously monitor all event logs to identify potential cyberattacks.
The committee noted that the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement has complied with the recommendation.
59. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 135 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 7, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Responding to Cyberattacks:
We recommend the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement undertake penetration testing on a periodic basis to identify and address cybersecurity threats.
The committee noted that the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement has complied with the recommendation.
60. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 136 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 7, SaskBuilds and Procurement — Responding to Cyberattacks:
We recommend the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement expand its testing techniques and continuously test its cyber incident response plans.
The committee noted that the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
61. It was moved by David
Chan:
That this committee do now adjourn.
The question being put, it was agreed to.
62. The committee adjourned at 5:05 p.m. until Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Trent Wotherspoon, Chair
Danielle Humble-Selinger, Committee Clerk
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