Saskatchewan’s NDP Leader, Ryan Meili, says the best news about the announcement to gradually begin the re-opening of the economy is that this conversation can actually be happening because we have flattened the curve of COVID-19. He emphasizes though that this doesn’t mean there can’t be flare-ups.

Meili has questions around tourism with golf and fishing opening up in May, with physical distancing still in play. He wonders if that will be a message to those outside of the province that they can come to Saskatchewan for some recreation. That would mean a higher chance of transmission of the virus with people coming across the border.

Meili would like to have seen more involvement in the plan from municipal and First Nations leaders, business leaders and cross-party leadership. With the spring session of the Legislative Assembly postponed, Meili says they have no way to address any issues. He wonders what the details are when it comes to making a decision to move ahead to the next phase, or to postpone because of an increase in transmission. There haven’t been any specifics announced, and Meili adds that there are only 2 weeks between the first 2 phases noting it may not be enough time to gauge whether the first phase was successful.

The NDP Leader would also like to see more financial support for businesses, because many have taken a devastating hit. He says most businesses don’t qualify for the small business grant program or the amount they can receive is nowhere near enough to deal with the losses they are facing.