“I was shocked to learn from workers and SGEU of the concerning situation at Pine Grove Correctional Centre. According to a memo sent to affected staff, a COVID-19 outbreak in the centre has left correctional service workers in an impossible situation. Those staff who worked between May 17 and May 31 are required to continue working but must otherwise self-isolate. This amounts to workers paying the price for Minister Christine Tell and Sask. Party’s failure to control COVID-19 and keep it out of correctional centres.
These hard-working provincial employees are being punished for the minister's complete abdication of duty and oversight. The Sask. Party government should have prioritized vaccinating staff and inmates when they had the chance, as recommended by both national guidelines and public health officials in the SHA. Employees (mostly women and many with families) are now having to pay for the Sask. Party government’s mixed messages and incompetence.
Once again, it is working families being failed by this government. It’s unacceptable. Saskatchewan deserves better.”