MORE NURSES FOR NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

The provincial government is funding 40 additional nursing seats as part of a new northern nursing degree program.

The program, officially announced today, is being offered through the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) campus in Prince Albert with 37 students currently taking nursing classes. Since 1999, the number of nursing seats in the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) has increased by 65 per cent to a total of 300.

The initiative will help to address the need for more health professionals in northern Saskatchewan and for greater Aboriginal and northern representation in the health care system.

The four-year degree program also builds upon the Northern Health Science Access program, designed to strengthen students' skills in science, math and English in preparation for the northern nursing degree program and other health-related programs.

The SIFC, University of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (SIAST), signed an academic partnership agreement in Prince Albert today establishing the northern program as part of the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan. Other partners include Saskatchewan Health, Saskatchewan Learning, and First Nations and Metis organizations. With this official signing, students currently taking classes will be able to apply course credits toward their nursing degree.

"Through these programs, we are creating education opportunities for Aboriginal and northern students in Prince Albert, often closer to home and community and family support," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "Graduates from this nursing program will be well-positioned to work in northern Saskatchewan or anywhere else that their skills are in demand."

"Keeping and attracting key health providers are top priorities of this government," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, released in December 2001, recommends finding ways to increase Aboriginal participation in the health workforce. The northern nursing degree program is an important step in accomplishing this goal."

"This past year the SIFC Board of Governors created the new academic
department -- Community Development and Health Sciences -- under the Northern Campus umbrella," SIFC President Dr. Eber Hampton said. "This department focuses on fostering, building and maintaining relevant community health programs and services to our communities. The SIFC Northern Campus has and continues to create a strong presence to and for our communities."

"At SIAST, we're delighted to welcome SIFC into our NEPS agreement with the University of Saskatchewan," SIAST President Dr. Robert McCulloch said. "Enhancing access to our programs, recruiting and retaining Aboriginal students and seeking partnerships that advance post-secondary education are among SIAST's primary priorities. This new agreement furthers all three."

"This is an exciting and welcome initiative," University of Saskatchewan Acting Vice President Academic and Provost Dr. Ken Coates said. "The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to be entering into a partnership with SIFC; building on our existing partnership with SIAST. This will improve access to our high demand professional program. We are proud to be contributing to the education of nursing professionals who will make a significant contribution to health care in our province."

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff-Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083	John Biss Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5900
Gaylene Anaquod SIFC Regina Phone: (306)546-8489	Tina Merrifield University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Phone: (306)966-2213
Patricia Gillies SIAST Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-5376