Saskatoon Health Region to implement a hiring freeze

They are taking the "help wanted" sign down at the Saskatoon Health Region as part of a series of cost saving measures in an effort to balance the budget.

The health region ended its 2015-16 fiscal year with a deficit of $35.7 million.

"Our target is always a balanced budget but the path before us is not an easy one. The challenges are significant," said Dan Florizone, President and CEO of the health region.

Efforts to save money have been underway since December 2015. They include a range of proposals that should result in savings of about $34 million.

"We are attempting to minimize the number of layoffs through these initiatives," added Florizone.

But today the region announced a two-month hiring freeze, along with a voluntary separation program.

Salaries and benefits represent about 78 per cent of the health region's expenses, and so the two actions should help reduce future employment loss.