Stout is one of 7,500 health care professionals who have come to Saskatchewan since the government launched its Health Human Resource Action Plan in 2022. Minister of Health Jeremy Cockrill said over 700 doctors have been recruited from outside the province since 2022. When asked if the government monitors retention numbers for recruited health care workers, Cockrill said the main focus is on recruitment. The union added without “significant” improvements the province risks “accelerating” an already serious recruitment and retention crisis. Cockrill said he is “confident” the government will be able to come to agreements with all health care unions at the bargaining table.