Saskatchewan premier says coronavirus not a factor in election call

REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he made a mistake when he listed the novel coronavirus outbreak as a reason why he’s not committed to a provincial election in October.

Moe told reporters last Friday that unrest caused by rail blockades and the spread of COVID-19 are affecting the economy, and he has the right to call an early vote.

There are currently no confirmed cases of the disease in Saskatchewan.

Moe says that risk of coronavirus remains top of mind, but it’s not a factor in deciding when he’ll call an election.

Rumours of a spring election also marked the opening of the spring sitting of the legislature.

Opposition NDP leader Ryan Meili pressed Moe on when residents will go to the polls and accused him of playing political games by not providing a straight answer.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2020

The Canadian Press