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COVID IN SASKATCHEWAN

‘Too little, too late’: NDP Leader Ryan Meili on new measures in Sask.

Sep 17, 2021 | 12:07 PM

NDP Leader Ryan Meili is describing Saskatchewan’s new COVID-19 measures as “too little, too late.”

The leader of the opposition released a statement in response to the new measures announced by Premier Scott Moe on Thursday.

“We are all united by our desire for the pandemic to be over. But Scott Moe has been pretending it has been over since July. He took the summer off, but COVID-19 did not,” Meili said.

“Scott Moe ignored his own government’s modelling and advice. He ignored the increasingly desperate voices of ordinary people, teachers, doctors and nurses, the pandemic chiefs, medical health officers from across the province.

“The Premier announced some long-overdue measures (Thursday). It is unquestionably appropriate to return to indoor masking and to use vaccine mandates to increase our vaccination rates. The official opposition called for this type of leadership weeks ago.”

As of Friday, masks are required to be worn in all indoor places until at least Oct. 1, with some exemptions for people under 18 years old as they compete in indoor sporting events.

Starting Oct. 1, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test will be necessary at some businesses, establishments and event venues. When that policy takes effect, the mask mandate is expected to be lifted.

“Copying (Alberta Premier) Jason Kenney’s ‘too-little, too-late’ plan is not leadership. And a premier who always acts last — if at all — is not a leader,” Meili said. “The people of Saskatchewan deserve so much better than the arrogance and inaction of Scott Moe.

“The Premier must apologize, show remorse, and take real action. If not, it’s time for him to resign.”

Moe has defended the timing of the announcement, saying the government and Saskatchewan Health Authority have made decisions based on information they had at that time.

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