Saskatchewan Midwives: A Critical Shortage

Saskatchewan is experiencing a critical shortage of midwives, with demand for their services significantly outstripping the limited number of available positions. As of September 2, 2026, only 18 of the 20 midwife positions in the province are filled. This scarcity leaves many communities, including larger ones like Prince Albert and North Battleford, without access to midwife care. The situation is exacerbated by the absence of any midwifery education programs within Saskatchewan, requiring aspiring midwives to pursue training in other provinces. While legislation in 2008 regulated midwifery, its growth has since stagnated, leading to long waitlists for expectant mothers. This creates a challenging environment for both women seeking personalized birth experiences and those aspiring to join the profession, with current midwives often working on-call and managing heavy caseloads. The province's current employment model for midwives differs from independent practices in other Canadian provinces, contributing to the difficulties in expanding services. Efforts are ongoing to raise awareness and advocate for increased midwife positions to meet the growing need for accessible, woman-centered birth care.