NDP Leader Ryan Meili issued the following statement in response to the province’s release of a social services pandemic response:
An emergency demands an emergency response. Other provinces acted much more quickly and much more substantially, including Alberta, which committed $30 million over a week ago to support shelters and frontline organizations.
$171,000, divided between ten shelters, is a far cry from that level of support. It simply won’t come close to addressing the needs people are facing, with many organizations needing to hire additional staff and make changes to their facilities to allow their clients the space for physical distancing.
Shelter in hotels is a positive step, but it needs to be accompanied by real resources to ensure clients are supported and for people self-isolating COVID-19.
We were also disappointed not to see support for testing sites in downtown centres in cities across the province or any support for other agencies that will be facing greater demand, such as food banks.
We will continue to press for more details, more clarity and more supports for people in need in the coming days.
EMERGENCY MOTION WILL LOWER GAS PRICES BY 15 CENTS STARTING TOMORROW
REGINA – As Saskatchewan drivers struggle with the highest gas prices in the Prairies, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck and her caucus will introduce an emergency motion today in the Legislature that will slash gasoline and diesel prices by 15 cents per litre starting tomorrow.
REGINA - Today, the Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Ministers Brent Blakley (Social Services), April Chiefcalf (Housing), and Betty Nippi-Albright (Mental Health) released a letter they penned to Sask. Party Ministers Lori Carr and Terry Jenson.
After 17 years, Sask. Party offers no new solutions on critical issues, like affordability and healthcare
REGINA – Today’s Speech from the Throne was more of the same from the same old Sask. Party. After 17 years, the Sask. Party is out of ideas and pressing ahead with a plan that will see devastating cuts to healthcare and education.
Government’s Incompetence on Economy Spurs Lawsuit
REGINA - Saskatchewan NDP Jobs and Economy Shadow Minister Aleana Young is calling on the Sask. Party government to take responsibility for decisions that have jeopardized jobs in Martensville and Warman, as revealed in official court filings.