Inaccurate, unfair for Sask. premier to single out northern First Nations on vaccination, say critics
CBC
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is wrong to single out northern First Nations for low COVID-19 vaccination rates, say critics.
They say Moe's comments, similar to statements he made last week, are both unfair and inaccurate.
The leader of the Official Opposition says the premier is desperate to deflect blame for the province's rapidly deteriorating COVID-19 situation.
"This is gross, just dog-whistle politics, trying to blame one part of the province. He's trying to shift attention away from his own errors," NDP Leader Ryan Meili said Thursday.
"He should be apologizing for his inaction, which is resulting in people dying."
Record numbers of COVID-19 patients, most of them unvaccinated, are filling the province's hospitals and intensive care units. Elective procedures have been slowed down or paused altogether, but the surge in COVID-19 cases is also halting organ transplants, as well as certain brain, heart and eye procedures.
On Thursday, Moe posted a video on social media saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was practising "divisiveness" by singling out Saskatchewan for its low vaccination rate.