REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP is promising to improve long- term care in the province if it wins the Oct.26 election. 

Saskatoon Fairview candidate Vicki Mowat promised an NDP government would legislate minimum standards of care for long-term care facilities to deal with issues such as inadequate staffing. 

She says having standards in place would ensure residents living in these homes receive dedicated one-on-one time with staff for a set amount of time.

The party says it would make this happen through its promise to spend millions hiring more doctors, nurses and other health-care workers.

Mowat accused the Saskatchewan Party of underfunding long-term care, which she says puts people at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The NDP also says the Saskatchewan Party got rid of standards for long-term care in 2011.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct.13, 2020.

The Canadian Press