With COVID-19 cases having increased from 144 active cases on October 1 to 1,289 currently, the province is getting a new health minister.

With Premier Scott Moe deciding to move Jim Reiter into the SaskBuilds portfolio and have Reiter serve as the new Liquor and Gaming Minister, Paul Merriman is moving out of Social Services to replace Reiter.

Merriman is excited at the challenge that lies ahead of him saying health is a massive file and a huge responsibility. He admits though that he takes over at a time that is uncomfortable for him because of the huge increase we have seen over the last six weeks in cases.

“I’d be comfortable if the numbers were extremely low.  That’s where my comfort zone is. “Merriman said shortly after being sworn in. ” Until a vaccine comes along, I want to make sure the general public understands the regulations put in place are to help protect them and their family members, their elders, their grandparents and people in long-term care homes and people that are at risk.  We want to see the numbers come down, but this isn’t something unique to Saskatchewan.  Our numbers are much better than our neighbours who are having challenges.  We want to make sure the numbers stay low, but they are still at a manageable number.”

Merriman says his first order of business is to sit down with Ministry officials, chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab and Saskatchewan Health Authority officials to get on the same page with them and that his first thing to accomplish will be to listen.  Premier Scott Moe has also tasked both Merriman and new Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley with  the responsibility of making sure Saskatchewan gets its fair share from Ottawa when it comes to vaccines and that those who are in the most need here get them first.