The Official Opposition suggests that if municipalities want to implement recommendations from medical health officers, they should be able to do so. This, after Saskatoon’s City Council debated bringing in a bylaw to limit gathering sizes, which would usually be provincial jurisdiction.

During Question Period, Municipal Affairs Critic Matt Love asked if the province refuses to implement recommendations from medical health officers, why can’t municipalities take action to keep residents safe. Government Relations Minister Don McMorris answered that the City of Saskatoon wanted to move in an area that is not its jurisdiction. He told Mayor Charlie Clark that the bylaw would not be supported and he believes that’s why Council voted it down. McMorris says he has talked with all 16 city mayors and the vast majority are satisfied with the public health orders.

Love responded that on October 14th, the Health Minister said if municipalities wanted to add on to the province’s health measures, they would be free to do so. McMorris noted that cities have their own responsibilities, which the government has supported.