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.”