STANDING
COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Thursday, June 4, 2026
MINUTE NO. 16
9:00 a.m. — māmawapiwin náyati room
(Room 8)
1. Present: Trent Wotherspoon in the chair and members Brad Crassweller,* Hugh Gordon, Travis Keisig, Blaine McLeod,* Joan Pratchler, and James Thorsteinson.
Substituting Members
Brad Crassweller for David Chan
Blaine McLeod for Terri Bromm
Provincial Auditor’s Office
Tara Clemett, Provincial Auditor
Jason Wandy, Deputy Provincial Auditor
Kim Lowe, Senior Principal
Provincial Comptroller’s Office
Brent Hebert, Provincial Comptroller
Jane Borland, Assistant Provincial Comptroller
2. It was moved by Hugh Gordon:
That the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, pursuant to subsection 16(1) of The Provincial Auditor Act, requests that the Provincial Auditor perform a special assignment investigation to examine the increase in projected costs of the government’s coal refurbishment plan from $900 million to $26 billion.
A debate arising and the question being put, it was defeated on the following recorded division:
Yeas — 2
Hugh Gordon, Joan Pratchler
Nays — 4
Brad Crassweller, Travis Keisig, Blaine McLeod, James Thorsteinson
3. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
4. The following document was tabled:
Saskatchewan Health Authority: Status update, dated June 4,
2026
(PAC 94-30)
5. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 79 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority provide clear and easily accessible information to the public about opioid addiction treatment services available in the province.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
6. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 81 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority analyze provincial supply and demand for its opioid addiction treatment services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
7. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 84 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority implement standardized approaches (e.g., work standards, IT system) for its opioid addiction treatment services across the province.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
8. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 86 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority consistently assess opioid withdrawal symptoms before prescribing Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) medication to clients receiving outpatient opioid addiction treatment services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
9. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 87 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority provide timely outpatient opioid addiction treatment services (initial and follow-up) to clients with opioid use disorder.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
10. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 88 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority consistently complete discharge/transfer plans for clients receiving inpatient opioid addiction treatment services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority has complied with the recommendation.
11. The committee concurred with recommendation 7 made at page 89 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority offer Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) medications to clients with opioid use disorder while receiving social detox services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
12. The committee concurred with recommendation 8 made at page 92 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Delivering Opioid Addiction Treatment Services:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority consistently track, analyze, and report key performance information related to delivering opioid addiction treatment services in the province.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
14. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 12, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Maintaining Healthcare Facilities Located in Saskatoon and Surrounding Areas.
15. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Purchasing Goods and Services.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
16. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Purchasing Goods and Services.
17. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 14, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Safe and Timely Discharge of Patients from Regina Hospitals.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
18. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 14, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Safe and Timely Discharge of Patients from Regina Hospitals.
19. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 15, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Treating Patients at Risk of Suicide in Northwest Saskatchewan.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
20. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 15, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Treating Patients at Risk of Suicide in Northwest Saskatchewan.
21. The committee recessed from 12:27 p.m. until 1:17 p.m.
22. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
23. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 42 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority regularly monitor whether users with conflicting roles process payment transactions without involving others.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
24. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 43 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority prepare and review sufficient financial reconciliations.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority has complied with the recommendation.
25. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 44 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 6, Saskatchewan Health Authority:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Health Authority consistently maintain approved timecards to support payroll amounts.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Health Authority is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
27. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 26, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Overseeing Contracted Special-Care Homes in Saskatoon and Area.
28. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 27, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Providing Timely Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services in Prince Albert and Area.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
29. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 27, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Providing Timely Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services in Prince Albert and Area.
30. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 24, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Filling Hard-to-Recruit Healthcare Positions.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
31. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 24, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Filling Hard-to-Recruit Healthcare Positions.
32. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 25, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Minimizing Employee Absenteeism in Kindersley and Area.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Health
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
Monifa Minott, Manager, Internal Audit
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer
Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer
Carla Male, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Finance
Mike Northcott, Chief Human Resources Officer
Julia Pemberton, Vice-President, Integrated Northern Health
33. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 25, Saskatchewan Health Authority — Minimizing Employee Absenteeism in Kindersley and Area.
34. It was moved by James Thorsteinson:
That this committee do now adjourn.
The question being put, it was
agreed to.
35. The committee adjourned at 4:02 p.m. to the call of the Chair.
Trent Wotherspoon, Chair
Miranda Gudereit, Committee Clerk
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