A Saskatoon family is speaking out after the death of their 91-year-old father, Erwin Lukan, who passed away just weeks after entering a long-term care facility, shining a spotlight on what critics call dangerous underfunding and a lack of oversight in Saskatchewan’s seniors care system.
Lukan was admitted to the facility on July 17, 2023, along with his wife, following complications from a urinary tract infection. Less than three weeks later, he died on August 6. His daughters say his condition was ignored, and that his catheter went unmaintained for weeks because the facility’s only certified caregiver for such care was out of province.
The family believes the lack of medical attention led to a severe infection that ultimately resulted in Lukan’s death.
“This government’s healthcare cuts are putting seniors at risk,” said Sask NDP Shadow Minister for Seniors Keith Jorgenson. “Not being able to age and die with dignity is heartbreaking. How many more preventable deaths need to happen before the Sask Party acts?”
A provincial investigation launched after months of complaints from the family found troubling deficiencies at the care home, including poor personal care, irregular food and bathing schedules, and inadequate record-keeping.
Records show the facility had not been inspected for nearly four years from July 26, 2021, to March 5, 2025.
Critics fear the situation may worsen under the provincial government’s current budget plans. Despite increasing pressures on the healthcare system, the Sask Party has reduced healthcare funding, budgeting $8.0049 billion this year, down $17.1 million from the previous year’s $8.0220 billion.
“This is not just about numbers on a page,” said Jorgenson. “It’s about real lives, and the consequences of neglecting seniors’ care are becoming more apparent and more tragic.”
The Sask NDP is calling for immediate investment in seniors care, mandatory and frequent inspections of all long-term care homes, and stronger staffing requirements to prevent further tragedies.
