The federal and Saskatchewan governments are putting millions of dollars toward rebuilding the Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge. “For those receiving care at the cancer clinic here in Saskatoon, they may not all live in Saskatoon,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “They may be coming from the north, they may be coming from rural communities to receive care here -- And so for while they’re receiving care, this will be their home.” According to the funding announced Friday, Ottawa and the Saskatchewan provincial government will each contribute $7.25 million toward the new lodge. The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan will provide $10 million, bringing the total investment to $24.5 million. Gregor Robertson, the federal minster of housing and infrastructure, said it’s the first time the federal government has directly contributed to provincial healthcare infrastructure rather than having a province rely on a healthcare transfer. “The federal government has never historically contributed to health infrastructure. It’s been solely a provincial responsibility. But given the times and given the importance of this infrastructure, the Government of Canada is now at the table as a partner,” he said. Under the agreement, Saskatchewan will receive $195.1 million in federal funding over three years for health infrastructure, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. The lodge is the first project announced under a new three-year health infrastructure agreement between the federal and Saskatchewan governments. The lodge will include 33 private patient rooms, including three dedicated suites for stem cell transplant recipients and 14 companion accommodation spaces. Altogether, the new build will be able to accommodate 52 patients and their families. It will also include a well-equipped kitchen, lounge areas and other common spaces. The health funding is part of more than $610.6 million in planned federal infrastructure funding for Saskatchewan through the Build Communities Strong Fund
