Saskatchewan NDP Caucus

NDP calls for universal coverage for Mifegymiso in the only province that doesn’t offer it

With Manitoba announcing it will provide full coverage for Mifegymiso, Saskatchewan is now the only province in the country that doesn’t, which is something the NDP believes needs to change.

“This Sask. Party government has stalled on providing coverage for this important and cost-effective drug at every turn, and now Saskatchewan is at the back of the pack,” said NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat. “The evidence is clear that it’s cheaper and safer. And the need is there, especially in rural and remote parts of the province, but still this government resists providing better access for women. Instead of leading, we are once again falling way behind.”  

Two years after STC shutdown, NDP highlight the damage and call for re-establishing lost services

On the two-year anniversary of the Sask. Party government’s sell-off of the publicly owned Saskatchewan Transportation Company, NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling for a full audit of the impact the closure has had on Saskatchewan residents, and reiterating his party’s commitment to re-establishing transportation and freight services in the province.

“STC was a valuable service that knit our province together,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “For many people across Saskatchewan, it served as everything from a ride to a medical appointment to a courier for farm equipment. It was a vital part of their everyday lives. By treating the STC as a business rather than an essential service, the Sask. Party failed Saskatchewan people and betrayed their trust.

Meili names new Chief of Staff

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili announced today that Adrienne King has been named Chief of Staff in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, effective August 1. King will take over from Caucus Communications Director and Interim Chief of Staff David Mitchell after the departure of Olin Valby last week.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Adrienne to the team,” said Meili. “She brings a wealth of experience, solid political judgment and an unwavering commitment to putting people first. I also want to thank my longtime friend Olin Valby for all his work over the past year and the solid foundation he has laid for our success in 2020.”

NDP call for facility audit of leaky new P3 hospital

In the wake of the new Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford needing a new roof only months after opening, the NDP is calling for a full facility audit.

“Saskatchewan taxpayers are on the hook for this $400 million P3 and will be on the hook for paying millions of dollars more to SNC Lavalin in yearly maintenance bills. How is it that the roof of this brand-new building already needs to be replaced, and what other infrastructure issues may exist?” asked NDP SaskBuilds Critic Cathy Sproule.

NDP calls on government to reverse Saskatoon Child and Family Programs relocation

The NDP is calling on the Sask. Party government to reverse its decision to move essential Child and Family Programs staff out of St. Thomas Wesley United Church and relocate them downtown. The important services provided by these staff are vital to the community, and to move them against the community’s wishes is short-sighted.

“The church members, community, and all who benefit from the programs provided at St. Thomas Wesley have spoken out against this move, but the government hasn’t listened,” said NDP Social Services Critic Nicole Rancourt. “St. Thomas Wesley is an ideal location. It’s close to other services, such as the Friendship Inn, White Buffalo Youth Lodge and Station 20 West, and it’s close to the community it seeks to serve. To move Child and Family Programs out of the community is a step in the wrong direction when it comes to making essential services accessible. Especially after this government’s harmful cut to the Rental Housing Supplement, this will only further hurt our most vulnerable.”

NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat’s response to news that the Saskatchewan Hospital P3 already needs a new roof

“We are deeply disappointed and concerned that we are once again seeing building flaws at the P3 Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford. We certainly hope the impact to staff, patients and their families is minimal.

“The fact of the matter is that the Sask. Party tied Saskatchewan people into this risky and costly P3 contract with an out of province conglomerate and the process has come with a fair share of delays.