The Saskatchewan Party is taking a big gamble as the date inches closer to a provincial election when it comes to what is happening with some emergency rooms in rural parts of the province.

Because of COVID-19, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said 12 ER’s across the province would be shut down on a temporary basis to maintain capacity for COVID surges and outbreaks as they arise , but some are questioning that because the numbers are so low in Saskatchewan with a thought that these closures could end up being permanent.

A Facebook group called “Citizens Concerned About Rural Health Care” has started with plans calling for a rally at the provincial Legislature if one can happen because of the public health order which limits mass gatherings.

Kris Carley is a town councillor in Carnduff and is one of those trying to organize the rally which he hopes can happen June 3 with an application having been sent to the Provincial Capital Commission.

He says this is something that could have a spillover effect when it comes time to vote.

“There are people in the group that are long-standing card-carrying donors of the SaskParty that are saying whoa, whoa, whoa if this is the road they are going to go down and that they may have to reconsider their loyalties” Carley said. “A lot of people still have a sour taste from the 90’s when the NDP started shutting hospitals down too.

He adds these shutdowns are and will put extra pressure on emergency rooms in urban centres as people in rural Saskatchewan affected by these closures will need some place to go.

The government says it has heard the concerns and plans on making an announcement Tuesday as to how services will be restored in places like Broadview, Wolseley, Biggar, Oxbow, Davidson and Preeceville as soon as possible based on criteria that ensures it is safe to do so while allowing the S-H-A to plan for surge capacity.