The SSMLT began as the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists (CSLT). Saskatchewan has the distinction of being the first province to form a provincial CSLT branch Saskatchewan technologists were so well organized that they received official recognition by the CSLT in the fall of 1937, just a few short months after the CSLT received its charter.

In the forties, The Saskatchewan Branch executive investigated the opportunities for incorporating as a freestanding society. At the time, the CSLT was concerned that incorporation of provincial societies would weaken the national organization. In response to the national societie’s concern, the Saskatchewan executive set aside their plans to incorporate. Had we persevered, Saskatchewan would have been the first Canadian provincial society. All of the provincial societies are now incorporated and they all continue to support our national society. The Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists incorporated in June of 1983 and functions under an Affiliation Agreement with the CSMLS.

In the fifties, the Saskatchewan Branch began its long history of continuing education activities. One of the first programs was offered at the Regina General Hospital. Professors from the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan presented updating courses in laboratory techniques. Registrants came from as far away as Swift Current for the weekly sessions. Since that time, continuing education has been offered to our members through many avenues: lecture programs, workshops, seminars, conferences, teleconferences, correspondence courses and via lending library materials.

Saskatchewan has hosted five successful National CSMLS Conferences, welcoming technologists from across Canada. The Congress held in Saskatoon in 1990 hosted 2000 technologists.

In the eighties, the CSMLS and the SSMLT became actively involved in public relations programming, promoting our profession to other health care professionals, to the general public and promoting programs within our own membership. Our membership is kept up to date on Society activities through our provincial publication, "Info Deluge" and through newsletters.

In recent years, the SSMLT has been decidedly pro-active with respect to legislation and government policies affecting the practice of Medical Laboratory Technology. The SSMLT has made numerous submissions to government and health care agencies on behalf of medical laboratory technologists. In addition, SSMLT members have served on various governmental boards and committees with mandates in health and education.

In the nineties, the SSMLT established a permanent office and hired an Executive Director to coordinate Society business and activities.

The medical laboratory technologists of Saskatchewan have provided five decades of service to health care on this province. Throughout our history there has been a continuing progression of individuals with the courage and determination to share in our vision. Our early members recognized the need for certification of medical laboratory technologists and the importance of high standards. They saw the potential for the development of medical laboratory technology as a profession and the desirability of a good public image. It has been a never-ending process. Each milestone has been accomplished through the dedicated efforts of medical laboratory technologists working together towards a common goal. There will always be new challenges, new goals and new technologists to lead the way.

We look with satisfaction on our past accomplishments. We look proudly to our future, secure in the knowledge that medical laboratory technology is a vital and essential profession