NDP: SHA warnings demand urgent action

For immediate release: October 8, 2021

SASKATOON - Today, Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili and Health Critic Vicki Mowat urged Premier Moe and the Sask. Party government to follow the advice given by the medical community on gathering limits and finally request federal help in light of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s transition to triaging of lifesaving care.

“It’s beyond belief the premier has not yet made a formal request to the federal government to support our frontline health workers. The SHA is telling doctors people will die because they don’t have any more capacity left,” said Meili. “For Scott Moe to have not just picked up the phone and asked for health workers is beyond negligent, it’s inviting disaster.”

Yesterday’s Saskatchewan Health Authority Physician Town Hall was explicit on the crisis the province currently faces and steps needing to be taken:

  • “Restrictions in personal and public gathering sizes are needed once again”
  • The inpatient capacity for COVID-19 patients is equivalent to Swift Current, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw hospitals combined. 
  • Anticipated impacts include “substandard care for those in critical need and/or at risk of death” and “increased preventable deaths”.
  • “Thanksgiving gatherings will only add fuel to the fire”.

“Saskatchewan leads the nation in case and death rates, and we continue to see a government sitting on their hands even though lives are at stake. Our health system continues to head towards disaster -- if now isn’t the time to act, when is it?” said Mowat. “We’re already entering our fall and winter of misery; we need critical action now before we reach the point of no return.”

Saskatchewan New Democrats are calling for:

  • A return to indoor gathering limits for both public and private events until cases and hospitalizations stabilize. 
  • Urgent request to the federal government to assist in expanding health system capacity.
  • Clear guidance on the SHA’s role interacting with the new Disaster Response Team. 

-30-

Latest posts

49 emergency room nurses slam Sask. Party in letter

Poor working conditions, favouritism, $300K travel nurse pay at issue

REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition released a letter signed by 49 emergency room nurses in Saskatoon. The letter slams the Sask. Party government for failing to support Saskatchewan nurses and curb the province’s reliance on expensive out-of-province travel nurses.

Indigenous leaders call for meaningful Duty to Consult during day of action

REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Critic for First Nations and Métis Relations Betty Nippi-Albright hosted a Day of Action with Indigenous leaders from Nekaneet First Nation, Yellow Quill First Nation, Waterhen Lake First Nation, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation, Key First Nation and the residential school support team from Yorkton Tribal Council. Together, they continue to draw attention to the Sask. Party government’s disregard for the Duty to Consult process. 

Moe’s Minister caught lying about dodgy donor deal

Records show former Sask. Party Finance Minister lobbied for Calgary surgery scheme on behalf of a major Sask. Party donor

REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition grilled the Premier and his Minister of Health after the Minister misled the public, claiming that he had not been lobbied by a former Sask. Party MLA when Saskatchewan's official lobbyist logs show the exact opposite.

Share this page