NDP Opposition to put pressure on COVID response as session opens
Meili accuses Sask. Party government of politicizing public health crisis
Saskatchewan's government is hoping divisions over its COVID-19 response don't become a “political football” in the first session of the newly elected legislature, as the NDP Opposition seeks to navigate the tricky terrain of pandemic politics.
Masked MLAS will meet behind Plexiglas shields starting on Monday to elect a Speaker and hear a throne speech laying out the government's agenda. Then comes two weeks of sparring in the chamber. NDP Leader Ryan Meili called the unusual setup “a visual reminder of what a serious situation we're in right now.”
His 13-member caucus is coming with questions about what the government knew and when, and what it's planning to do now as COVID-19 cases surge.
“This is a government that downplayed this pandemic, that ran an election on the idea that this was over, when really the worst of it is just beginning,” he said.
“We need to hear not just a change in tone, but some indication that this government will make the investments necessary to help people out, in the health system, in education and supporting businesses, the things they've been unwilling to do to date.”
Deputy Premier Donna Harpauer said she's “always concerned” to see a public health crisis politicized. She called the pandemic a “divisive situation,” but one that shouldn't have a political stripe.
“It's divisive among families. It's divisive among business, workplaces. It's divisive in our communities, because there are extreme opinions on both sides of what should be done, or what shouldn't be done,” she said during a news conference on Friday.
“Hopefully, that doesn't become a huge political football. I don't want to generate fear within our public. But I do want them to ... take necessary precautions.”
Meili said he has “serious concerns and serious questions.”
“Our plan is to go in there and get some answers.”
In Meili's view, it's the Saskatchewan Party, not the NDP, playing politics with the pandemic.
“Politicizing public health in this province is what Scott Moe has done by putting his opinions, his ideology, ahead of the wise public health decisions that should have been made,” Meili said.
He has called for stricter measures to get a handle on COVID-19, while Moe has resisted the idea of locking down the economy, instead opting for incremental measures.
Monday's throne speech is expected to detail how the government will implement its election commitments, which include a temporary cut to small business taxes, rebates for Saskpower customers and a tax credit for home renovation.
Meili said his party will take a close look at specific bills as it decides whether to hold up legislation or allow the government to expedite its program.