Negotiations and Bargaining

Negotiations

The SMA has negotiated fees for programs that assist all physicians, regardless of their payment modality. These include a number of rural programs, the Continuing Medical Education Fund, the CMPA Reimbursement Fund, the SMA Retention Fund, as well as the Rural Emergency Room Coverage and Specialist Emergency Coverage Programs.

Negotiation support and advice are available for groups and individuals negotiating directly with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (and others) and those physicians working under salary or contractual arrangements.

The SMA also negotiates with several third parties to establish uninsured services fees paid to physicians. Examples include the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board and Saskatchewan Government Insurance.

Bargaining

Fee-For-Service Bargaining

The SMA represents members in both negotiating contracts and administering negotiated contracts and is the sole bargaining agent for fee-for-service physicians in negotiating with the provincial government.

Updates on the progress of negotiations are provided through SMA President’s Letters.

Bargaining for Salaried and Contract Physicians

The SMA currently provides a host of services to physicians working under (or considering working under) salary and contractual arrangements, including:

  • Negotiation representation
  • Review of contracts, including remuneration levels and benefits
  • Advice regarding self-employment status for contracted physicians
  • Comparisons with payment rates and benefits provided in other jurisdictions
  • Advice relating to physician service contracts
  • Dispute resolution assistance for physicians encountering difficulties with employers or contracting agencies

The SMA has negotiated group contracts for contract psychiatrists, contract pathologists, emergency room physicians, and other physician groups.

In July 2020, the SMA and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that provides a non-fee-for-service bargaining framework.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For more information on fee-for-service bargaining, please contact: negotiate@sma.sk.ca