By Canadian Press

Feds promise to do all they can for Bearskin Lake, but no word on military help

Jan 7, 2022 | 11:40 AM

OTTAWA — Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the government will do whatever it can to support Indigenous communities, such as Bearskin Lake, facing COVID-19 crises. 

At a news conference today, LeBlanc says fellow ministers are in frequent contact with their provincial counterparts to co-ordinate aid. 

Bearskin Lake, a First Nation in northern Ontario, has declared an emergency after COVID-19 infected nearly half of its 400 residents. 

The scale of the outbreak has meant that a large proportion of the community is isolating and there are not enough people to deliver essential services, including the distribution of food, water and wood to households. 

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says Patty Hajdu, minister for Indigenous services, is in daily contact with leaders of Indigenous communities to make sure they have enough rapid tests, tracing support and vaccines. 

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Duclos did not comment on whether military aid would be sent to Bearskin Lake.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2022.

The Canadian Press