NDP calls for stepped-up measures to protect the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak
The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the provincial government to release a plan to assist low-income and vulnerable people, including providing safe housing for people accessing shelters.
“We see so many people in our communities stepping up to care for people in need: delivering groceries to seniors and making meals for kids living in poverty,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili. “We need the government to join that effort and recognize that the most vulnerable are at the highest risk. We need to protect and support them not just for their health, but for the health of everyone in this public health crisis.”
Meili calls for measures to protect frontline workers
NDP Leader Ryan Meili called on the province to work with employers to guarantee frontline workers in essential services access to clear physical distancing protocols, adequate protective equipment, along with access to childcare and other supports to enable them to do their jobs safely.
“Grocery clerks, pharmacists, cleaners, healthcare workers and others in essential services are holding our communities together right now,” said Meili. “We need to do everything we can so they can keep doing that work safely.”
“No one should lose their home due to COVID-19:” NDP calls for moratorium on evictions
With community transmission now confirmed in Saskatchewan, NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling on the province to put an immediate moratorium on evictions in Saskatchewan to ensure that no one loses their home.
“No one should lose their home because of COVID-19 — full stop,” said Meili. “People are stressed, people are scared and everyone needs to be staying at home as much as they possibly can. If we're asking people to stay home, they need to have a home. I’m calling on the Premier today to make that commitment.”
A critical moment: Meili calls for stronger measures on COVID-19, more accountability
Responding to new information detailing serious gaps in the Saskatchewan government’s response to COVID-19 to date, NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling for more transparency and aggressive action to slow the spread of the virus.
“People need clear information to understand the threat of COVID-19 across Saskatchewan and to play their part in responding,” said Meili. “This is a critical moment. Together, we can have an impact on what happens in Saskatchewan, but only if our government is honest about our readiness, gives us as much information as possible and acts quickly to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Meili calls for direct financial aid for Saskatchewan people
With many people facing lay-offs or reduced income as the end of the month approaches, NDP Leader Ryan Meili is calling on Scott Moe to provide direct, immediate financial aid to Saskatchewan people. Rather than creating various categories of people who will be eligible for financial aid, the province needs to prioritize speed with a far-reaching aid package.
“The plans released to date leave too many falling through the cracks. To keep our economy afloat and to ensure people are able to cover their basic needs, we need the province to take quick action,” said Meili. “We are calling on Scott Moe to provide immediate direct support for people in Saskatchewan.”
NDP calls for emergency measures to support small businesses and self-employed individuals
Today NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon called on the provincial government to rapidly expand support for small businesses and self-employed individuals affected by COVID-19 to assist them in doing what’s necessary to limit the spread.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and key drivers of our economy. These local leaders are faced with incredible hardship with this unprecedented situation,” said Wotherspoon. “We need to urgently act to support entrepreneurs and local businesses to ensure that they and their employees can get through this terribly difficult time and so that they are in a position to rebuild when we come through this, not permanently shuttered.”