Minister vows fast rollout of vaccines
Saskatchewan's health minister is aiming to quickly present scenarios for distributing COVID-19 vaccines across the province, as he assures residents that his ministry will be ready to get doses into people's arms “as fast as possible” once they arrive.
Health Minister Paul Merriman said the scenarios will be ready “potentially in the next couple of weeks.” He said the province already had a plan based on the H1N1 pandemic, but needs to make some “modifications” to prioritize elderly people most likely to die from COVID-19.
According to Merriman, the speed with which the government can move will depend on which vaccine is made available. He noted that the Pfizer vaccine, in particular, could raise logistical challenges due to deep freeze requirements.
The Pfizer vaccine and other leading candidates have not yet been approved by Health Canada, but the federal government has pre-ordered tens of millions of doses. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he expects the first shipments to begin arriving early next year, though it could take months more to vaccinate a sizable share of the population.
“We will be ready in Saskatchewan,” Merriman said.
Premier Scott Moe repeatedly mentioned vaccines when pressed about public health measures and business supports during question period on Tuesday. He said the province needs to continue efforts to curb the spread “for the next few months — until we have some widespread access to a vaccine.” It was his light at the end of the tunnel.
“That is the next target,” Moe said. “That is the finish line for the people of this nation.”
Merriman said he doesn't foresee any consequences or restrictions for those who opt not to get vaccinated, beyond issues like international travel that are outside the provincial government's control.
“It's their prerogative,” he said. “It's their individual right if they want to get vaccinated.”
About two hours later, a small gathering of anti-mask protesters shouted at MLAS as they exited the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. “Buffalo Party! Buffalo Party!” one yelled. “Breathe free or die.”
Bob Pearce, a former Regina mayoral candidate, was among them. He said he would never take a vaccine.
Pearce was pleased to hear Merriman doesn't consider it a necessity.
“I'm encouraged to hear him say that,” said Pearce. “It should be a choice.”