The NDP Health Critic says the government has failed to address long standing staffing issues in terms of hiring lab technicians.

“We have deep concerns about the fact that we have a shortage of lab staff. This number the premier came up with of being able to execute 4,000 tests a day is not consistent with what we’re hearing from folks in terms of the lab shortages.”

She says the government’s lack of planning heading into flu season could lend itself to delaying expanded COVID-19 testing – at a time when schools are reopening. The Opposition Party says fast access to COVID-19 is essential in order to safely send teachers and students back to school.

The NDP suggests Saskatchewan has consistently been testing for COVID-19 at below half the advertised capacity.

Vicki Mowat says the Saskatchewan Health Authority is actively trying to hire 18 medical lab techs and only 40 are expected graduate at the end of this year. She says the shortage of lab techs is a problem that has existed for years now.