The Opposition NDP is calling on the provincial government to implement tougher COVID-19 restrictions heading into the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Opposition Leader Ryan Meili is asking Premier Scott Moe to reinstate indoor gathering sizes and to give clear guidelines for the long weekend. 

Meili understood that implementing gathering restrictions wouldn’t be popular, but it is a necessity. 

“We need to be honest with people. Yeah, we all want to gather. We all want to see our families,” Meili said.  

“It just kills me that I'm not going to pack the kids in the car and drive to Moose Jaw and hang out with my mom and dad, but I'm not going to do that because I don't want to put them at risk. And you know, people need to hear that from their leaders.” 

Meili pointed to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving weekend last year. Furthermore, Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab stated in his last press conference that Saskatchewan is headed for a fall and winter of misery. 

Meili did not state a specific number he’d like to see gathering sizes at but said he would leave it up to the medical professionals who have the modelling numbers that say what needs to be done to bring transmissions down. 

Jobs and economy critic Aleana Young also spoke out, saying that the government needs to be clear about restrictions with the business community as well. 

“Give businesses who have borne so much, give workers who are on the frontlines of this fourth wave, and give families depending on those businesses for a paycheck the clarity and the notice that they need to plan and survive the fourth wave,” she said. 

She added that the government has shown little clarity and communication with the business community when the proof of vaccination public health order came into effect.