Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili has brought to light internal SGI documents that show the government blocked SGI from implementing its own mask mandate in August.
“When the SGI tried to bring in a masking mandate,” Meili said in a Legislative session Tuesday, “this minister (and) this premier said no.”
In a heated exchange during the question period, Meili quoted communication between the Crown Investment Corporation (CIC) and SGI.
The email exchange said SGI could not put in masking requirements to protect its own staff and customers because it went against the government’s statements that there would be “no re-implementation of any restrictions or mandates.”
“It really strikes me as a pattern where this government not only is unwilling to take the steps to protect Saskatchewan people, but if anyone else wants to do what’s right and protect their employees, they’re not allowed,” Meili said Tuesday.
Premier Scott Moe and the minister of health did not comment on the documents in the session, but speaking with media later said, ultimately, government entities such as SGI should be following recommendations from the government and Dr. Shahab.
“The decisions that have been made throughout the pandemic have been made with the information that’s available at that point in time,” Moe said. “Ultimately in the middle of September, the masking mandate did come.
“I wasn’t aware of the one request that did come in (from SGI) until today. I assume it was handled by CIC.”
Moe added that it’s well within the scope of CIC’s authority to be providing this kind of public health guidance to SGI.
“The province’s expectation is that, whether they’re a crown utility or whether they’re a ministry, they’d abide by the same recommendations and public health orders that are in place across the broader public.”