Saskatchewan’s premier said last week the provincial emergencies act is in effect for one reason only and that is to direct health care staff throughout the provincial health care system.

All COVID-19 restrictions are lifted as of today (mon) in Saskatchewan, the same day the province renews the emergency order that went into effect September 13, 2021.

Premier Scott Moe signed an order-in-council last Wednesday to extend the emergency order “to address the COVID-19 public health emergency.”

At midnight, all remaining pandemic restrictions were lifted, including an indoor mask mandate and the requirement to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, ,a group of Saskatchewan unions which all represent health care workers in the province are criticizing the Sask. Party government’s decision to extend the emergency order.

Acting Chair of the SGEU Health Providers Bargaining Committee said in a news release “It’s hypocritical for the government to extend the emergency order at the same time as it is lifting all other public safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The release says talks between the Saskatchewan Health Authority and unions were taking place last summer and fall to address the fourth wave and what options were available to address the situation. The talks were then halted when according to the release, the government announced it had passed an emergency order in September which included unilaterally imposing an extension to the expired agreement for health care providers.

Barbara Cape, President of SEIU-West says “We’re either in a state of emergency or we’re not.”

The emergency order allows the province to redeploy health care staff as the government continues to navigate through the pandemic within the health care system.