Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave is currently in California to address what he called necessary personal business. (File photo/paNOW)

By paNOW Staff

MLA crosses border

Prince Albert MLA in Palm Springs, premier knows about it

Dec 30, 2020 | 4:19 PM

Joe Hargrave is explaining his reasons for travelling across the border during the pandemic.

The Prince Albert Carlton MLA and Minister of Highways said he has been in Palm Springs since Dec. 22 to finalize the sale of a personal property and to move personal items back to Saskatchewan.

In a statement emailed to paNOW, Hargrave said: “The decision to travel was a personal choice to address personal business that I deemed necessary.”

Hargrave said he did advise the premier of his travel and will be following all public-health guidelines including self-isolating in his Prince Albert home for 14 days upon his return to Canada.

Premier Scott Moe released a statement about Hargrave’s travel. It said, “I expect that all members of cabinet and caucus follow all public health orders and guidance. When Minister Hargrave advised me of his travel for personal business that he deemed necessary, I conveyed the expectation that he follow all public health guidelines and self-isolate for 14 days upon his return.”

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During today’s COVID-19 press conference with the provincial government, Health Minister Paul Merrimen said it wasn’t his place to comment on his colleague’s actions.

“Everyone has their own judgment of what they feel is essential services or essential travel. But what I can say is I certainly didn’t travel throughout the Christmas season. I was with my wife in Saskatoon and we were able to connect with our family members virtually,” Merriman said.

Other politicians have faced public criticism for their international travels during the pandemic. Just yesterday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford ordered his Minister of Finance to come home after it was discovered Rod Phillips has been in the Caribbean since Dec. 13.

Pierre Arcand, a Quebec Liberal member vacationing in Barbados was recently asked by that province’s Liberal leader to return home as well.

Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 guidelines advise residents to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. Travellers returning from international destinations including the United States are subject to a mandatory self-isolation public health order and federal quarantine requirements.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow