New Democratic Party Leader Ryan Meili announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18 that as a result of Premier Scott Moe鈥檚 ineffective actions to address the second wave of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, the NDP has called for a three-week 鈥渃ircuit breaker鈥� to keep the province鈥檚 health care system from being overwhelmed and to ensure businesses and communities don鈥檛 face further hardship with longer shut downs.
鈥淪cott Moe ran the last election on the premise that the battle against COVID-19 had already been won. Since the election, his government has been too slow to react to the rapidly rising case numbers. The half-measures taken so far have been confusing and ineffective.鈥� said Meili. 鈥淚f we want to protect our economy and our businesses, we need to get control of the pandemic. The choice is not between our health care or our economy 鈥� it is between a targeted action now, or a much more severe lockdown later.鈥�
Case numbers have increased rapidly in the past weeks while the Saskatchewan Party government has moved from stating no new measures would be introduced, to introducing half-measures at the end of last week, to new measures announced yesterday along with a series of reviews that may lead to a lockdown.
This is simply not enough. More action is needed.
As part of the circuit breaker that New Democrats are calling for, the following measures should be taken in addition to those which have already been announced:
Close non-essential businesses and allow retail stores to maintain delivery and curbside service. Limit essential businesses to run at 25 per cent capacity.听Allow bars and restaurants to operate with take-out and delivery only. Close sports, fitness and recreation facilities. Close bingo halls and casinos. Keep schools open at Level 3 throughout the province along with supports to reduce class sizes.
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment Program should be brought back and fixed to make the service more accessible.
Gap supports - similar to what is offered in Manitoba 鈥� should be offered to businesses that aren鈥檛 eligible for federal supports.
Small business in Saskatchewan could receive innovation grants for owners wishing to upgrade to online retailing, delivery platforms and virtual service delivery.
The moratorium on residential evictions should be returned and the clawbacks on housing and income assistance must be stopped.
鈥淪cott Moe鈥檚 lack of timely and decisive action has put the province at risk of an out-of-control second wave that will overwhelm the health system, cost lives and shutter businesses for good,鈥� said Meili. 鈥淲e need a consistent, coordinated and properly funded approach that will protect our health care system and our economy. It鈥檚 time for a real plan that puts people first.鈥�
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