This July, SAC-Saskatchewan Regional Advocacy Manager met with Mark Wyatt, Assistant Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, along with representatives from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Advanced Education (MOAE). The discussion focused on supporting clinicians supervising students on clinical placements in preparation for the new speech-language pathology program at the U of S, set to open in September 2026.

Several approaches to strengthen placement capacity were highlighted during the meeting. The SHA reported that funding has been secured for an S-LP Preceptor Coordinator to manage placement requests across the authority. We emphasized that clinicians already carry heavy caseloads and that management-level support will be critical during the early stages of placements, when supervision demands are highest. Potential incentives to support preceptors discussed included daily clinical rate payments, continuing education, and professional development opportunities.

Representatives from the U of S shared updates on ongoing stakeholder meetings with health, education, and private practice partners. They also noted housing challenges for students in rural and remote areas, with virtual placements being considered as one possible solution.

SAC also raised the need for student housing supports to improve access to placements in underserved regions. ADM Wyatt committed to connecting SAC with the Ministry of Education to explore school-based placement opportunities. Additionally, the Ministries of Health and Advanced Education will explore involving private employers to expand clinical placement capacity beyond the SHA.