NDP Senior Critic Keith Jorgenson

Divorce isn’t uncommon in Saskatchewan; however, it is rarely involuntary for both parties involved.

According to the provincial NDP, Fred and Theresa Sandeski of Weyburn recently, and reluctantly, separated so that they were able to qualify for a small financial benefit. The couple has been married for forty years. Fred, who is terminally ill, says the provincial government promised to cover his bill about a month ago.

The province then reversed their decision and billed Fred, deeming him ‘not sick enough.’ However, NDP Critic for Seniors Keith Jorgenson says his doctor told him he only has weeks to live.

Jorgenson explains that the Sandeski’s are not financially well-off, and if they pay for the care, they won’t be able to pay rent.

Jorgenson says Fred has been receiving care at a special care home in Weyburn for one or two weeks at a cost of $45 per day, a small price for the province to pay to ensure Fred’s comfort at the end of his life.

“This is a very inexpensive problem, and it’s a very easy problem to fix. How do we deal with the plethora of really complex issues in society and in Saskatchewan when they (the province) can’t fix something that’s easy to fix?”

Jorgenson adds that the option of Medical Assistance in Dying was also presented to Fred when it was first determined he was unable to pay for the care.

Jorgenson says Fred told him on Friday that he was contacted by the Sask. Party government. They reached out to inform him that there has been a miscalculation and that he owes even more money than was previously thought.