STANDING
COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
MINUTE NO. 9
8:29 a.m. — māmawapiwin náyati room
(Room 8)
1.
Present: Trent Wotherspoon in the chair
and members Chris Beaudry, David Chan, Brad Crassweller,
Hugh Gordon, Joan Pratchler, and Sean Wilson.
Provincial Auditor’s Office
Tara Clemett, Provincial Auditor
Jason Wandy, Deputy Provincial Auditor
Michelle
Lindenbach, Principal
Kim Lowe,
Principal
Jordan McNaughton,
Senior Manager
Provincial Comptroller’s Office
Brent Hebert, Provincial Comptroller
Jane Borland,
Assistant Provincial Comptroller
2. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Education: report of public losses, June 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025
(PAC 53-30)
3. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
4. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Health: Status update,
dated October 15, 2025
(PAC 54-30)
5. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 117 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority communicate clear expectations and monitor the number of neurosurgery services provided by each physician to determine whether neurosurgery needs are met.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
6. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 121 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health forecast the number of neurosurgery physicians and other staff required to provide neurosurgery services annually and over the longer term.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
7. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 123 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health analyze patient referral systems used for neurosurgery services and determine an efficient system to use for referrals across the province.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
8. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 124 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health collect and analyze complete wait time data for patients directly referred to a neurosurgery physician.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
9. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 125 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to increase the use of Spine Pathway referrals to reduce potentially unnecessary neurosurgery consultations and surgeries.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
10. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 126 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to document surgery prioritization criteria to support timely and fair access to neurosurgery services.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
11. The committee concurred with recommendation 7 made at page 129 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to assess enhancements for improving efficiency of scheduling patients for neurosurgery.
12. The committee concurred with recommendation 8 made at page 131 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 14, Health — Coordinating the Provision of Timely Neurosurgery Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Health formally establish annual action plans to address gaps in neurosurgery services.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
13. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 21, Health — Providing Special Needs Equipment for Persons with Disabilities.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
14. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 21, Health — Providing Special Needs Equipment for Persons with Disabilities.
15. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 12, Health — Detecting Inappropriate Physician Payments.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Health Benefits and
Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
16. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 12, Health — Detecting Inappropriate Physician Payments.
17. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 13, Health — Monitoring Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
18. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 13, Health — Monitoring Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing.
19. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 19, Health — Preventing Diabetes-Related Health Complications.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
20. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 19, Health — Preventing Diabetes-Related Health Complications.
21. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 20, Health — Using Critical Incident reporting to Improve Patient Safety.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
22. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 20, Health — Using Critical Incident reporting to Improve Patient Safety.
23. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 4, Healthcare Affiliates.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
John Ash, Vice-President, Integrated Saskatoon Health
Felecia Watson, Executive Director, Patient and Client Experience
24. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 4, Healthcare Affiliates.
25. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Impaired Driver Treatment Centre — Delivering the Impaired Driver Treatment Program.
The following Ministry of Health officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health
Informatics
Melissa Kimens,
Executive Director, Primary Care
Dave Morhart,
Executive Director, Acute and Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug
Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal
Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and
Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director,
Acute and Emergency Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics
and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services,
Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
26. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Impaired Driver Treatment Centre — Delivering the Impaired Driver Treatment Program.
27. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 8, 3sHealth — Managing Disability Claims.
The following officials appeared
before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
3sHealth
Mark Anderson, Chief Executive Officer
Alana Shearer-Kleefeld,
Vice-President, Employee Benefits
Luke Malach, Executive Director, Internal Audit and
Enterprise Risk Management
Boye Adetogun, Director,
Claims Services
28. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 8, 3sHealth — Managing Disability Claims.
29. The committee recessed from 12:07 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.
30. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of
Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
eHealth
Saskatchewan
Davin
Church, Chief Executive Officer
Aaron
Mula, Vice-President, Digital Services and Chief Information Officer
Crystal Zorn, Vice-President, Security and Privacy
31. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 100 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan regularly detect and quickly remove unauthorized IT servers, if any, on the network.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
32. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 101 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan track the IT systems, and their criticality, hosted on key healthcare IT servers to support maintenance decisions.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
33. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 103 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan implement security measures to address the risks introduced by having unsupported servers hosting key healthcare systems and data.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
34. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 104 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan periodically review whether appropriate individuals have privileged access to key healthcare IT servers.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
35. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 105 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan regularly analyze security information logged for key healthcare IT servers to support timely server updates for identified security vulnerabilities.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
36. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 106 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 13, eHealth Saskatchewan — Maintaining Key Healthcare IT Servers:
We recommend eHealth Saskatchewan regularly report to its senior management and partners about significant risks and mitigation plans related to maintenance of key healthcare IT servers.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Health is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
37. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 17, eHealth Saskatchewan — Securing Portable Computing Devices.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of
Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
eHealth
Saskatchewan
Davin
Church, Chief Executive Officer
Aaron
Mula, Vice-President, Digital Services and Chief Information Officer
Crystal Zorn, Vice-President, Security and Privacy
38. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 17, eHealth Saskatchewan — Securing Portable Computing Devices.
39. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 1, eHealth Saskatchewan.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of
Health
David Matear, Assistant Deputy Minister,
Norman O’Neill, Assistant Deputy Minister
Chad Ryan, Assistant Deputy Minister
James Turner, Assistant Deputy Minister
Mindy Gudmundson, Executive Director, Health Informatics
Melissa Kimens, Executive Director, Primary
Care
Dave Morhart, Executive Director, Acute and
Emergency Services
Chantelle Patrick, Executive Director, Drug Plan and Extended Benefits
Ryan Dobson, Director, Operations and Internal Audit
Dave Guerrero, Director, Policy, Governance and Audit
David Howland, Director, Strategy
J-mie Kong, Director, Acute and Emergency
Services
Beth Scott, Director, Professional Practice
Kathleen Wilde, Director, Finance, Statistics and Support Services
Tamara Wolfe, Director, Client Services, Extended Benefits and Policy
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
eHealth
Saskatchewan
Davin
Church, Chief Executive Officer
Aaron
Mula, Vice-President, Digital Services and Chief Information Officer
Crystal
Zorn, Vice-President, Security and Privacy
40. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 1, eHealth Saskatchewan.
41. The committee recessed from 2:35 p.m. until 2:40 p.m.
42. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 31, Social Services — Monitoring Quality of Care in Homes Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle
Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Brittany Csada,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Tobie
Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and
Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Julene Restall, Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Erin Kiefer,
Executive Director, Finance
Ellen McGuire,
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
Edwin Rogers,
Director, Evaluation and Analytics
43. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Social Services: Status
update, dated October 15, 2025
(PAC 55-30)
44. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 31, Social Services — Monitoring Quality of Care in Homes Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.
45. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services.
The following Ministry of Social Services officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Richelle
Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Brittany Csada,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Tobie
Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and Family Programs
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and
Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Programs
Julene Restall, Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Erin Kiefer,
Executive Director, Finance
Ellen McGuire,
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
Edwin Rogers,
Director, Evaluation and Analytics
46. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 61 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services maintain sufficient documentation to support appropriate selection of hotels needed for its child and family program clients.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
47. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 63 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services centrally track and monitor hotels it pays and at what rates for clients of its income assistance and child and family programs.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
48. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 63 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services complete a robust evaluation of its pilot projects to procure hotel rooms for clients of its income assistance and child and family programs.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Social Services has complied with the recommendation.
49. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 64 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 9, Social Services:
We recommend the Ministry of Social Services
work with the Ministry of Finance to consider how to publicly report
payments made to vendors on behalf of income assistance and child and family
programs’ clients.
50. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Social Services
Richelle Bourgoin, Deputy Minister
Brittany Csada, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing
Tobie Eberhardt, Assistant Deputy Minister, Child and
Family Programs
Grant Hilsenteger, Assistant
Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services
Joel Kilbride, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability
Programs
Julene Restall, Assistant
Deputy Minister, Income Assistance
Erin Kiefer, Executive Director, Finance
Ellen McGuire, 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
Edwin Rogers, Director, Evaluation and Analytics
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
Brittany Csada, President and Chief Executive Officer
Kim Hornung, Executive Director, Housing Infrastructure and Business Information
Roger Parenteau, Executive Director, Housing Operations
John Saltasuk, Executive Director, Program and Service Design
Chris Bryant,
Director, Program Effectiveness
51. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 102 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
further analyze social housing applicant data to help
determine social housing needs in Regina.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
52. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 105 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
complete its forecast of long-term social housing needs in Regina.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has complied with the recommendation.
53. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 110 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
implement plans to help reduce vacant social housing units in Regina.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
54. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 111 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
periodically analyze data to identify and respond to
possibly over-housed social housing tenants in Regina.
55. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 115 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
set performance benchmarks for its social housing operational reviews of the
Regina Housing Authority.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has complied with the recommendation.
56. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 116 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
require the Regina Housing Authority to develop action plans addressing issues
and recommendations identified in its social housing operational reviews.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has complied with the recommendation.
57. The committee concurred with recommendation 7 made at page 116 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
enhance its monitoring and analysis of social housing tenant complaints in
Regina.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
58. The committee concurred with recommendation 8 made at page 118 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation — Planning for Social Housing Units in Regina:
We recommend Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
expand analysis and reporting on progress made against its building
conditions target related to social housing in Regina.
The committee noted that Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
59. It was moved by Brad Crassweller:
That this committee do now adjourn.
The question being put, it was agreed to.
60. The committee adjourned at 4:51 p.m. until Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Trent Wotherspoon, Chair
Miranda Gudereit, Committee Clerk
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