The Saskatchewan NDP raised their concerns about what they see as a lack of proper guidelines for businesses to reopen in Phase 2 of the ReOpen Saskatchewan Plan on May 19th.
NDP Leader Ryan Meili says that the government failed to do its job in consulting businesses, like hair salons, on how to reopen properly.
He says one of the concerns the industry has, is the procurement of PPE without taking any away from the health sector.
“There’s so many challenges on how to do this, and so little communication, so little guidance, and zero support to make sure, if people are being demanded to have this equipment, that they’re actually able to access it,” said Meili.
During a Zoom news conference Thursday, Meili was joined by three salon owners, who say they are hesitant to open up right away.
They said that their industry will be forever changed by the pandemic and are hoping to have more support from the government on how to reopen safely.
Megan Gustafson, a board member for the Allied Beauty Association, says that the current reopen plan doesn’t give a lot of confidence to many in the hair industry.
“We really hope as a unified group that we get more clarity, and feel more confident, because, in the end, that’s what it comes down to,” said Gustafson. “We need to fell comfortable with what we’re doing. It’s our clients, and our staff, and our families.”
Meili says that due to a lack of consultation and details has led to many salon owners deciding not to open up May 19th.
“It’s a very difficult decision,” said Meili. “We hear some folks saying we won’t open; others don’t know if that’s even something they can do. How do they keep paying rent, are some of the programs that are in place, federal supports, at risk if they don’t? There’s all kinds of questions that are really putting a lot of pressure.”
Meili adds that the province’s plan needs to be reviewed following the surge in cases in the north.
