NDP calls for SHA board member’s removal after travel to California

The provincial NDP is criticizing a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) board member who has spent more than two months in California.

980 CJME broke the news Monday that Judy Davis was still out of country at a time when the provincial government’s COVID-19 regulations suggest people avoid non-essential travel.

When Matt Love, the NDP’s critic for ethics and democracy, heard about Davis’ extended trip, he was not happy.

“My initial reaction was incredible disappointment. I think as an SHA board member, you expect (with) those people, their thoughts should be with the families and communities here in Saskatchewan. It’s shocking that they would disregard the expectations that we all have to stay home and avoid this type of travel,” he said.

While he did describe Davis’ actions as “shocking,” Love also pointed out it’s not the first time something like this has happened.

Former highways minister Joe Hargrave resigned from cabinet Jan. 4 after taking a trip to Palm Springs over the holidays, travel which he claimed was essential to finalize the sale of a home.

Christine Tell, the minister of corrections, policing and public safety, also travelled to California in late October to visit a sick relative. She did not resign her position.

Love said Davis’ situation is reflective of the Saskatchewan Party government’s attitude.

“The unfortunate thing here is that this person seems to be following the type of arrogant tone that has already been set by this government … There is a track record and a tone that has been set by those at the top, and so that is very hard for Saskatchewan people to witness,” he said.

He also critiqued the SHA for not making Davis’ trip public until it was questioned by 980 CJME, approximately 10 weeks after she arrived in the U.S.

“No doubt, that is one of the most shocking aspects of this story … Surely, this government should have been more up front with issues like this,” Love said.

“It makes us wonder: Are there more people high up in government positions who are living or travelling in the United States? This just doesn’t seem like the right way to govern, to wait until the media uncovers things like this when they could have chosen to be up front with the people of Saskatchewan weeks ago.”

When Hargrave resigned, Premier Scott Moe disputed the idea that government officials aren’t bound by the same rules as everyday people. However, Love believes Davis’ trip is another example against that sentiment.

“The double standard of what is expected for Saskatchewan people versus what is expected for those high up in the Sask. Party government and in government positions … it’s very upsetting to Saskatchewan people,” Love said. “We absolutely share that disappointment.”

He called on the SHA to immediately remove Davis from her board member position.