Midwifery in Canada - Saskatchewan

Report submitted September 2007 by the Midwives Association of Saskatchewan

Legislation and regulation
The midwifery Act was passed in May 1999. In February of 2007, administrative sections of the midwifery act were proclaimed. The selected sections facilitated the appointment of a Midwifery Transitional Council, and the beginnings of the establishment of a Saskatchewan College of Midwives and authorization of an Interim Registrar.

Karen Pollock
Interim Registrar
Saskatchewan College of Midwives
Tel: (306) 787 1874
e-mail: kpollock@health.gov.sk.ca
Proclamation of the remaining sections of the Act is scheduled for early 2008.

Saskatchewan Midwifery Model
The model for midwifery services planned for Saskatchewan is the funded model, where midwives will be employees of the Regional Health Authorities, and private practice midwives will charge clients directly for their service. The model that will guide the registered midwives in Saskatchewan includes the principles of continuity of care, informed consumer choice and respect and support for the rights of women to choose birthing alternatives including choice of birth settings. Midwives will work as specialists in normal birth providing the full scope of practice during pregnancy, labour, birth and the post-partum period. Midwives will have hospital priviledges enabling them to offer services in the hospitals as well as being able to support those women choosing a home birth.

Provincial Association AGM and Membership
The MAS holds its AGM in the Fall of each year. The Association has a membership made up of six midwives, four midwifery students and three associate members.

Current Initiatives
In November 2007, Saskatchewan chose a new government the Saskatchewan Party. Amendments to the current Midwifery Bill to allow for full proclamation will take place early in 2008. Further, the new government is working with the Transitional Council in finalizing the midwifery regulations. Two health regions are working to implement midwifery early in 2008, these are:

• Saskatoon Health Region – www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca, and
• Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region- www.rqhealth.ca

Contact Information
Midwives Association of Saskatchewan (MAS)
c/o 101 Albert Street
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 933 9867
e-mail: info@saskatchewanmidwives.com
website: www.saskatchewanmidwives.com