Even before this pandemic, Saskatchewan people were experiencing acute #mentalhealth challenges. Our province has among the highest suicide rates in the country.
So many in our province struggle with addictions, poverty, and other issues that impact our #mentalhealth.
Throw a pandemic on top of that, and we have more people than ever who are dealing with depression and anxiety.
It shouldn’t take a pandemic for Saskatchewan to start putting resources into #mentalhealth in our communities.
This week is CMHA Mental Health Week, and I’d like to ask you to do three things:
No 1: Please reach out to your friends and family, maybe to someone you haven’t spoken with in a while. It’s good for your #mentalhealth, and in the midst of so much stress and uncertainty, you don’t know what a difference it could make in the lives of the people you care about.
No 2: Please sign and share our petition for a Suicide Prevention Strategy for Saskatchewan, so communities can get the resources they need to deal with this ongoing crisis: saskndp.ca/suicideprevent…
No 3: Finally, if you or someone you know is struggling with #mentalhealth challenges, please reach out. You’re not alone. You can call the CMHA at 306-421-1871, or the SK 211 line. Both are free services that can connect you with support by phone, online, and in your community.
As we all adjust to this new normal, let’s think about what more we can do to reach out and support one another.
Today Premier Moe gave a State of the Province address that completely ignored the health crisis that his government created.
The state of our province today is that Saskatchewan has the highest active case rate and the lowest vaccination rate in the country.
🧵[1/6] #skpoli
The state of our province today is that ICU patients are being medevac’d to Ontario while the Armed Forces are being flown in to provide care.
The state of our province is that more than 800 people have died from COVID, including 117 people lost in October alone.
🧵[2/6] #skpoli
All of this is happening because Scott Moe is putting politics ahead of Saskatchewan people’s lives, and all of this was ignored in Scott Moe’s address today.
🧵[3/6] #skpoli
Shortstaffed. Crowded. Crumbling infrastructure. Four residents to a room.
There needs to be an inquiry into Extendicare Parkside long-term care home. Now.
Almost every single resident and staff member at Parkside has tested positive for #COVID19SK. Many have died. (1/7)
And let’s be clear: the conditions that caused this didn’t come out of nowhere.
Workers, residents, and family members have been pointing out the failure of the Sask. Party government to address urgent needs and dangerous conditions for a long time. (2/7)
The issues at Parkside have been → years ← in the making.
Let’s look at the government’s own CEO Tour Reports of this facility, starting back in 2013. (3/7)
❗ WARNING: LONG THREAD, but it's important ❗ In 2017, the #SaskParty cut #STC, leaving thousands of people across our province stranded. 🚌
Since then, I've heard so many stories from folks who have been left in bad situations because of this dangerous cut: (1/6)
🏥 seniors who can't get to medical appointments
👍 rural and Northern people who are forced to hitchhike
🚗 low-income folks who struggle to afford a car
🌾 farmers who can't get parts sent out (2/6)
♿ people with disabilities who lost their independence
🚌 small businesses that can't get affordable shipping
🏫 young people away for school who can't get home #sasked (3/6)
Scott Moe has shown us he can't be trusted. But don't take it from me...just look at his record. During the last #skpoli election, the Sask Party promised there would be no cuts or sell-offs. But when the election was over, they:
➡️ cut $25 million from universities
➡️ cut 90 healthcare workers in #YXE & #YQR
➡️ sold off STC, leaving thousands stranded
➡️ had dozens of meetings to try to sell SaskTel and SGI
➡️ and much more* (2/4)
We don't have to accept a government that says one thing and does another. It's time to stop Scott Moe's dangerous cuts and choose a government that invests in people.
People in Saskatchewan have a very clear choice in front of them: Four more years of deep cuts that hurt people, or an NDP government that will put people first by making the investments a full recovery depends on.
Cuts and neglect, or investments in people. And this choice couldn’t be clearer when we think about our rural healthcare.