By Samantha Maciag

NDP wants Sask. government to help cities with mosquito programs

Jul 12, 2011 | 5:02 PM

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the provincial government to step in and offer municipalities assistance with West Nile prevention and mosquito control, across the province.

“Over the last number of years we’ve seen good control over the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus,” said NDP deputy leader Deb Higgins.

Higgins says that the control comes from good prevention, something she claims the province is lacking.

A provincial cost-sharing program to help fight West Nile virus, worth $1.1 million, was cut from the 2010-2011 budget and left for towns and cities to handle.

Even though there have been no cases reported this year, Higgins insists the fight against the West Nile virus is not just a municipal issue.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

34m ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

4h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

7h ago

“Money only goes so far, and there are areas that are provincial responsibility, and (the provincial government) needs to take responsibility for them,” said Higgins.

Numbers released last week show mosquitoes in Regina are up over both historical, and 10-year averages.

news@panow.com