Sask Party withdraws promise to help terminally ill Weyburn man, offers MAiD

Saskatchewan Party government is facing criticism after reneging on its commitment to support Fred Sandeski, a terminally ill Weyburn man whose doctors say he has only weeks to live. 

Despite an earlier promise to allow Sandeski to stay in a special care home free of charge, officials have now informed him that he no longer qualifies for end-of-life care.

Sandeski, who has been battling a terminal illness, was initially told by the Ministry of Health that he could remain in the facility temporarily to ease his and his wife’s financial and emotional burden. 

However, after media coverage of the story faded, the government reversed its position, claiming Sandeski did not meet the criteria for the promised care. 

His doctors have warned that he is unlikely to live beyond January.

The move has drawn sharp condemnation from the opposition. 

Keith Jorgenson, the Saskatchewan NDP’s Seniors Shadow Minister, accused the Sask Party of abandoning Sandeski in his final days.

“The Sask Party has turned their backs on a dying man. This is who the Sask Party is,” said Jorgenson. 

“When the cameras are rolling, they’ll act shocked and promise to fix the problem. But as soon as the cameras turn off or the stories get printed, they betray their word.”

Jorgenson also highlighted the broader implications of the government’s decision, noting that Sandeski was previously advised to consider medical assistance in dying (MAID) because he could not afford long-term care.

“Remember, this is a man who was told to consider medical assistance in dying a couple months back because he couldn’t afford supported long-term care. Now the Sask Party is telling him he isn’t sick enough to get the help they promised,” said Jorgenson.

“Saskatchewan seniors like Fred built this province. They shouldn’t spend their final weeks fearing their spouse could be left homeless because medical bills that should be covered aren’t.”

The case has reignited debates over access to end-of-life care and the treatment of vulnerable seniors in Saskatchewan. 

The Sask NDP is calling on the government to honour its initial promise and ensure Sandeski receives the care he needs in his remaining weeks before he passes away.