The 2024 National Report Card from the Canadian Infant Hearing Task Force (CIHTF) revealed that little has changed since its 2019 Report Card. Despite some improvements, Saskatchewan once again received an overall grade of “Insufficient” when it comes to providing infant hearing health services through its Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program.

Following our meeting with the Saskatchewan Deputy Minister of Health, Chad Ryan, in September 2024, we continue to follow up regarding progress on this issue. A dearth of audiology positions in the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) continues to limit the ability to expand this and other provincial audiology programs. Unfortunately, recruitment and retention remain a significant issue with many current positions going unfilled, some for several years.

We will continue to advocate for our professions to be included in provincial recruitment and retention initiatives, and have asked for an additional meeting to discuss additional recruitment and retention ideas.