April 8, 1999
(Executive Council)

Roger Grimes comments on Saskatchewan legislating nurses back to work

Acting Premier Roger Grimes commented today on Saskatchewan's decision to legislate their striking nurses back to work after less than one day on the picket lines. "Circumstances were very similar between Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador," Grimes said. "Health boards made representation to Premier Romanow that safety could not be assured for patients in their hospitals and in the interest of the province, their government acted quickly."

The legislation is very similar to Bill 3, which was passed by the House of Assembly last week. Both order striking nurses back to work, both have financial penalties for failure to comply and both have imposed a settlement that is in line with what other public sector workers received.

"The similarities in the two pieces of legislation are very striking," Grimes continued noting that the imposed settlement for the Saskatchewan nurses is approximately the same amount as offered to Newfoundland and Labrador's public employees. "We have seen a near parallel occur between the actions taken by our government and Premier Romanow's NDP administration in Saskatchewan."

Grimes also noted that the legislation passed in just one day in the Saskatchewan Legislature. "While the opposition parties may not have voted for the legislation, they recognized the necessity of the bill and allowed for quick passage to occur."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Communications (709) 729-4890.

1999 04 08                         7:00 p.m.