In Saskatchewan, where more than one third of the population lives in rural areas, geographic location can be an important factor affecting health, healthcare, and quality of healthcare.(2) Although all people living in Saskatchewan should have equal access to publicly insured healthcare programs and services under the terms of the Canada Health Act, those living in rural areas (including those living in northern/remote areas) may not be receiving the healthcare they need.

As one rural resident described their experience with the healthcare system:

“It’s almost as if you can’t get sick after 9 p.m. here – because there is nowhere for you to go if you do.”