“How could nurses in this province feel anything but disrespected when you haven’t even got the courtesy to (make) a phone call.”
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A union representing nurses in the province says it was snubbed by Saskatchewan Party candidate Everett Hindley after inviting him to an event last week in Regina.
Hindley, who served as health minister before the election campaign began early last week, was unable to attend the union event due to “short notice,” according to the Sask. Party.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) held an education conference at the Viterra International Trade Centre on Thursday, bringing members together to present their demands for “safe staffing to all who will listen.”
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Members then hosted a rally at the legislative building which included several frontline health-care workers speaking about the shortages and difficulties they face within the sector.
The province’s hospitals are currently affected by personnel and material shortages, including oxygen and stretchers, while also running substantially over capacity. The union sent a clear message in reference to the coming election: if a party wants their vote, it will have to be earned.
SUN president Tracy Zambory said Hindley’s absence sends a message to health-care workers in the province.
“How could nurses in this province feel anything but disrespected when you haven’t even got the courtesy to (make) a phone call,” she said in a recent interview.
Asked if she felt the minister’s absence could be attributed to election campaign rules during the writ period, Zambory said “I believe that to be an excuse. How is it that they can go to (Prince Albert) and make a whole bunch of announcements and speak to people?”
An invitation to attend the SUN education conference was sent to the premier’s office in July, according to a statement provided by the Sask. Party on Thursday. It says the party told organizers on Sept. 27 that Scott Moe would not be available, but Minister Hindley could attend.
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The statement then indicated there was no further communication until the morning of the event on Oct. 3.
“This morning, organizers sent specific details regarding a speaking opportunity at the conference to the Premier’s office for Minister Hindley about an hour before the event time,” continued the government statement. “Minister Hindley is in his Swift Current riding today and was not able to attend on short notice.”
Communication from the itinerary co-ordinator to the premier, sent to the union on Sept. 27, had noted that Moe would not be able to attend but confirmed Hindley was aware and accepted the invitation, according to an email provided by SUN.
“I have passed along your invitation to the Honourable Everett Hindley, Minister of Health who would be pleased to attend and speak for 10 minutes to the delegation.”
In another statement Thursday, the Sask. Party said “neither side followed up with each other” between Sept. 28 and Oct. 2.
In audio leaked to the Leader-Post, Zambory can be heard describing the lack of respect demonstrated when the union didn’t receive a call from Hindley or the Sask. Party.
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“They don’t give a s**t about how we are managing and they do not give a s**t about the people of this province,” she said.
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On Friday, Sask. Party Leader Scott Moe said he couldn’t speak to why Hindley didn’t attend the event.
“I guess he wasn’t able to because he was in his constituency,” said Moe.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck attended the conference and said it was disappointing to see the Sask. Party absent.
“Both leaders were given the honour of being invited to speak to nurses and Scott Moe and the Sask. Party not only didn’t show up, but they didn’t even bother to let them know that they weren’t coming,” Beck said following Thursday’s rally.
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