CELEBRATE 60 YEARS WITH US!

YOUR HEALTH CARE CO-OP SINCE 1962

This summer, the Community Health Services (Saskatoon) Association (CHSA) celebrates 60 years of co-operative healthcare, led by members and centred on the needs of the people we serve.

The CHSA’s Saskatoon Community Clinic opened its doors on July 3, 1962 on the third floor of the Avenue Building during the tension of the doctors’ strike. The founders of our healthcare co-operative worked hard and put themselves and their families at risk to ensure that health services were available to everyone without regard for ability to pay.

We have come a long way since those early days when members received services in a bare room with two telephones, two folding tables with mattresses, two doctors and one nurse.

“Community clinics were on the very front line in the Medicare battle in 1962 – they made Medicare possible.”

Allan Blakeney,
former Minister of Health and Premier of Saskatchewan

Historical Timeline

1961

The Tommy Douglas government introduces the Medical Care Act in the SK Legislature
On November 7, 1961, the Medical Care Act passes.
1962

In May 1962, Saskatchewan doctors announce they will strike if the government enacts the Medical Care Act.
1962

Medical Insurance Act comes into effect on July 1, 1962
Doctors withdraw all but emergency services in major centres, kicking off the doctors’ strike.
1962

Clinic Opening
The Saskatoon Community Clinic opens its doors on July 3, 1962 during the tension of the doctors’ strike.
1962

Doctors’ strike continues
The Keep Our Doctors anti-Medicare protest at the Legislature on July 11, 1962 is much smaller than expected. On July 16, 1962, Lord Stephen Taylor arrives to assume the role of mediator between the government and the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
1962

The strike ends
On July 23, 1962, the strike ends when doctors and the provincial government sign the Saskatoon Agreement marking the arrival of the Medical Care Insurance Plan in Saskatchewan and paving the way for our national system of Medicare.
1969

May 1969, the sod is turned for the new Saskatoon Community Clinic building on Second Avenue.
1975

Westside Community Clinic established in Riversdale
Westside Clinic opened at Avenue G and 20th Street
2005

Westside clinic becomes home to SWITCH
The Student Wellness Initiative Towards Community Health is a student-run health clinic offering clinical services and health promotion programming with health professionals and community partners.
2010

Westside moves to a bigger home on Avenue P and 20th Street
2016

The Refugee Engagement and Community Health Clinic (REACH) has its beginnings at the Downtown Clinic
The Downtown Clinic adds ad hoc clinics to its roster on evenings and weekends, mostly volunteer-based, in response to the sudden arrival of a large number of refugees from Syria arriving in Saskatoon and the lack of dedicated, coordinated and centralized health delivery service for this vulnerable and underserved population.

Historical Photos

3rdAve003 — Staff working at the 3rd Avenue Building

Staff at Avenue Bldg — Staff working at the 3rd Avenue Building

CarolBuchananSodTurning — Carol Buchanan sod turning

2ndAveClinic01 — 2nd Ave clinic completed

FrontDeskReception — Front desk reception

Clinic Bldg009 — Westside Community Clinic at 631 20th Street West in 2001

Westside clinic sign 2007 — Westside Community Clinic in 2007

Membership004 — Set sail! Join the clinic member 'ship' display.

July 23 news clipping — 1962 news clipping

Westside clinic opening news clipping — Westside Community Clinic news clipping

spreadthevision — Betty Meyers, "Spread the Vison", 1992. This painting depicts citizens and medical professionals coming together to form the Saskatoon Community Clinic. It is on display near the reception area at the Downtown clinic.

Saskatoon Community Clinic 60th Anniversary Quiz

Print off or pick up a copy of the quiz at our Downtown clinic. Once completed, be sure to enter your name and email return it to the Downtown clinic by Friday, July 29 at noon to be entered into a draw!

Drop it off, scan it or take a picture of it and email to [email protected]

ANSWERS

CELEBRATE 60 YEARS WITH US!

“Community clinics were on the very front line in the Medicare battle in 1962 – they made Medicare possible.”

Historical Timeline

1961

1962

1962

1962

1962

1962

1969

1975

2005

2010

2016

Historical Photos

Saskatoon Community Clinic 60th Anniversary Quiz

Downtown Clinic

Westside Clinic