Moe, Meili address mask criticism ahead of provincial election

The leaders of the two biggest political parties in Saskatchewan are facing criticism for not wearing masks in recent photos.

Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe is facing some backlash after he posted a recent picture of himself shopping while not wearing a mask.

It was little cooler out today than I was expecting, and I left my winter wear back in Shellbrook.

Thanks to the folks at @CowtownRegina for helping me pick out a new coat.

Just another one of our many great Saskatchewan small businesses! #SmallBusinessEveryDay pic.twitter.com/Ar0xbR2QYt

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) October 20, 2020

Moe was quick to dismiss the criticism, saying he wasn’t breaking any guidelines or provincial mask policies put in place due to COVID-19.

“I was in another retail location later in the day when I had a mask on the entire time,” Moe said Wednesday. “When I was not near anyone else by any stretch, I wasn’t wearing a mask. Could I have been wearing a mask? I suppose I could have.

“I suppose after the media (questions) today, I will reconsider that.”

Meanwhile, photos from earlier in the campaign also showed NDP Leader Ryan Meili inside a store without a mask.

Local businesses contribute so much to our communities. Thanks to Jeremy @ John's Music, Skylett @ Prairie Bee Meadery, and Billy @ Ultimate Fanzone for welcoming me into your shops to speak about the challenges & triumphs that #localbusinesses are facing in #MooseJaw right now. pic.twitter.com/HfUKhNLDuf

— Ryan Meili (@ryanmeili) September 29, 2020

“We’ve been very careful throughout the campaign. Any photos you’ve seen, we’ve taken extra measures to make sure physical distancing is possible,” Meili said.

Meili said he’s not concerned about the photo of Moe, but about the mixed messages Meili says Moe has been giving during this campaign.

“In particular, (it’s) the refusal to distance himself from the anti-mask protesters. We need a different message sent from the premier. We need a different message sent from all leaders in the province, encouraging people to use masks and setting clear guidelines on when they should do that,” Meili said.

Moe went on to say the guidelines on wearing a mask in public remain clear, saying masks are not necessarily needed if you are able to maintain physical distance from others in a public space.

“When you are able to maintain that physical distance, wearing a mask is not necessary,” Moe said. “However, you should have a mask and wear one when you can’t physically distance.

“It has been clear from the beginning, and it’s clear today. I abided by those parameters when I was in Cowtown or anywhere else.”

Meili said he has been helping set examples for people, including creating a video showing people how they can create their own masks in April.

“We saw Donald Trump put on a mask before Scott Moe. We’ve seen mixed messages from him, at times contradicting the chief medical health officer,” Meili said.

Moe also spoke about advance polling being available ahead of the provincial election on Oct. 26.

Advance polls opened Tuesday, giving voters a chance to beat the lines ahead of election day.

Polls are open from noon to 8 p.m. daily until Saturday.

A full list of advance polling locations can be found on the Elections Saskatchewan website.

“If you’re able to avoid the lineups on election day, do so,” Moe said. “I would encourage everyone across the province to cast your ballot for the party that matches your vision for the province.”

In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Elections Saskatchewan said a record number of people voted on the first day of the advance polls.

There were 41,527 ballots cast Tuesday, breaking the previous Day 1 record of 24,615 that was set in the 2016 election.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Logan Stein