Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

Meili: Fix testing now to fight COVID-19 variants

SASKATOON - Official Opposition Leader Ryan Meili called on the government today to take serious action to detect and prevent the spread of the new variants of COVID-19, which are considerably more contagious and have rocked pandemic responses around the globe. On Tuesday, Saskatchewan recorded its first two confirmed cases of the UK variant in Regina.

Statement by Official Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat in response to the government request for the Ombudsman to investigate Extendicare Parkside

The statement is as follows:

“The Sask. Party government has failed Saskatchewan families. The scale of deaths in long-term care during the second wave of COVID-19, and in particular the tragic outbreak at Extendicare Parkside in Regina, is a shock to the conscience of our province.

The government’s request does not include any reference to the financial arrangement of Extendicare as the only for-profit provider of long-term care in Saskatchewan, as called for by my colleague and NDP Seniors’ Critic Matt Love. It also does not ask the Ombudsman to investigate the role of the Saskatchewan Health Authority or the Ministry of Health, a specific call made by the NDP in committee when we moved a motion calling on the Provincial Auditor to conduct this investigation.

We respect the Ombudsman and look forward to the results of her investigation. But given the track record of this government when it comes to ignoring recommendations made by the Ombudsman, it is increasingly clear that a full public inquiry will be necessary to get to the bottom of this government’s failure to protect our loved ones.”

Sask. Party tries to hide from scrutiny with shortened session

Shortened Legislative Session means less accountability for Moe government

SASKATOON - The Sask. Party government announced today that it does not intend to recall the legislature until April 6th, several weeks later than is normal for the spring session. The short sessions means less opportunity for public scrutiny of the government’s COVID-19 response and very little time to debate any legislation besides the provincial budget.