The opposition New Democrats are alleging the Saskatchewan Party government held back on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until after the election was over.
“This is a government that, during the campaign, wouldn't tell us their real plans for cuts and privatization, and they didn't tell us what was really happening with COVID-19, and they didn't tell us their real plans for policy changes,” said NDP Leader Ryan Meili on a Zoom call on Nov. 6.
“Of course, they knew these numbers were coming. They had access to the public health information. They have access to the modeling that we should all have access to, but they wouldn't take any action until after the election endangering Saskatchewan people.”
Premier Scott Moe responded to the NDP in an emailed statement.
“Mr. Meili’s allegations are irresponsible and false. Our government has consistently acted on the advice of public health officials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have no time for Mr. Meili’s ill-advised attempts at politicizing our response to COVID-19.
“These statements only serve as an insult to the professionalism of the dedicated public health officials that have provided sound guidance – guidance which is based entirely on public health considerations, not on political considerations like election timing as Mr. Meili is irresponsibly suggesting.”
Starting today, masks must be worn in indoor public spaces in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, where most of the new cases are located. The maximum number of people that can gather inside a home has gone from 15 to 10.
The NDP leader said he wants more clarity on how the province will enforce mandatory mask use.
Asked if he was saying the Sask. Party delayed bringing in mask mandates and new restrictions until after the election because it was politically convenient, Meili replied, “They knew what they were going to have to do. They knew what the numbers were doing, and they haven't actually shared the full information yet. This is what we're asking for today.”
The NDP leader said he wants the current infection rates and up-to-date modeling made public. Saskatchewan put out COVID-19 modelling in April that projected much higher infection rates and hospitalizations than what is currently being seen. Since then, Meili said, more has been learned about the virus.
“We see other provinces put that up and say these actions will reduce that rate of transmission by a certain amount. We see none of that information from this government. We need open, transparent, honest government, and we haven't seen that from Scott Moe.”
Meili referenced rising active case counts in Alberta and Manitoba. Asked about North Dakota, which posted 1,764 new cases on Nov. 6 after posting 1,540 cases on Nov. 5, he said it was disturbing to watch.
“But we also are seeing down there what can happen here. We're at an earlier point in the curve, but that's very possible right here in Saskatchewan. That's why we need a government that's actually paying attention to this. It isn't acting like they're doing a victory lap, but it's actually understanding that we're early on in this and it still needs, serious work.”
Meili said masks, combined with other measures, are an important way to reduce COVID-19 infections.
“I would say to folks who are resistant, who are reluctant – and I understand it's a big change, it's an inconvenience – that this is something we do for each other, and that this is a time to recognize viruses... don't discriminate, they will they will attack anyone. It is a time for us to take care of each other, to understand that we are all in this together and that wearing a mask is a pretty small thing to ask to keep those around us safe.”
The NDP also called for faster COVID-19 testing and smaller class sizes in schools.
