REGINA - After the provincial election ended nearly two weeks ago, the New Democrat Party is bringing their caucus together for their first meeting since the election.
On Friday, Opposition Leader Carla Beck spoke about the Saskatchewan Party’s platform and how it does not address the large issues.
"We have a government whose platform offered no new investments in health care, health-care facilities, no willingness to sit down and work on solutions with health-care workers, a government that has a plan that will not see any relief, if at all, for Saskatchewan people when it comes to the cost of living until 2026."
In terms of health care, Jeremy Cockrill was appointed as the new Minister of Health, switching from his previous role as Minister of Education, which now the former Minister of Health Everett Hindley is overseeing.
Beck was asked about the switch in the cabinet and had this to say. "I've heard this from health-care workers. From people already in terms of feedback. [There are] real concerns about the selection of Minister Cockrill in health. This is someone who did not have a reputation for working with frontline workers. We saw when he [Jeremy Cockrill] was the Minister of Education, the longest teachers dispute in the province.”
Beck added Saskatchewan needs someone who will focus on working with frontline workers, respecting them, and building an actual plan that delivers health care to the people of Saskatchewan.
The hot topic from the Sask Party cabinet announcement on Thursday was Scott Moe shifting his stance on addressing the change-room policy as his first order of business if re-elected. Moe said he "misspoke" regarding the matter. While he did not confirm a change-room policy ban, Moe said he would talk to school boards once their elections are done about how they can support children.
Beck addressed Moe's comments on changing rooms and talked about how he said one thing during the election, but then says another thing later on. She spoke about how the NDP’s priorities were clear throughout their campaign, and her party is focused on the key issues people have told the NDP are most important to them.
Reporters also asked Beck if a change-room policy is needed. Beck once again focused on the issues happening right now, including education.
She spoke about the 10 years of underfunding in the sector and mentioned the long teacher dispute again. She added some kids are calling their parents before lunchtime to come pick them up because there is not enough support available for children in schools across the province.
Former MLA Gary Grewal's name came up during the questions regarding him getting a transition pay after being found guilty by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) over his involvement in two hotels that were housing social service clients.
Beck was asked if she would push forward a policy to limit the transition pay for people who were found guilty by COIC.
She said she had given it no thought. However, Beck said she will continue to push for stronger conflict of interest rules in Saskatchewan.
Regarding her party, Beck talked about the new MLAs coming into the legislature for the first time. The NDP has brought on 14 new MLAs unless any changes occur for results during the final count for the provincial election on Saturday.
Beck said she is focused on continuing to train and instruct new party members and discussed how eager they are. She also noted the strength the NDP has from a lot of returning MLAs that can be leaned on.
She is confident her team can build upon the positive results from the provincial election and build a stronger party heading towards the next election.
