Sask. NDP calling for multi-sector COVID task force

Ryan Meili is calling on the Saskatchewan government to create a multi-sector task force to help deal with COVID-19.

The Saskatchewan NDP leader sent a letter to Premier Scott Moe on Tuesday asking for the task force to be created and for it to include municipal and Indigenous leaders, health-care professionals, educational professionals, members of the business community, labour leaders, community organizations and members from the governing party as well as the opposition.

“We are in a very serious moment and unfortunately it is going to get worse in the next little while and that is why it is so important that we take action right now,” Meili said during a media conference.

“While the Sask. Party and the New Democrats are political opponents, we have a common enemy and that enemy is the virus. We are in a very unusual time and, in moments of crisis, we need to act differently. We need to take a different approach than what we are used to.”

This isn’t the first time Meili has called for a task force to be created that includes multiple organizations and groups.

“As we’re in the midst of this surging number of cases, (with) hundreds of new cases a day (and) our ICUs and hospitals getting overwhelmed, it’s all the more important that we have every voice at the table,” Meili said.

Saskatchewan announced 175 new COVID cases Tuesday, increasing the provincial total to date to 6,883.

Meili said the leaders are out there and they want to be involved in the COVID response and the recovery process.

The NDP leader wants to see the province bring back the small business support program that was offered in the spring, help businesses innovate, and adapt to provide service in new ways and support for rent.

The province was set to hold a COVID update Tuesday but postponed it to Wednesday when new restrictions likely will be announced.

On Monday, it was announced Moe was self-isolating due to a possible COVID exposure in the Prince Albert area.

“I really hope that he does not have COVID-19. I hope that none of his family do. I know this can be very scary,” Meili said.

“We’re thinking about him and we don’t want anybody to have COVID-19 and we certainly want to see Mr. Moe back here healthy and in the legislature next week.”

The Legislative Assembly is to start sitting Monday.