The Canadian Armed Forces is now on the ground in Bearskin Lake First Nation to help the remote community deal with a COVID crisis.
Minister of National Defence Anita Anand says rangers are there to co-ordinate, help with logistics, transportation and distribute food, water, firewood and care packages.
An initial assessment was conducted over the weekend and Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair says the government is working closely with community leadership.
However, NDP MP Charlie Angus, who has been leading efforts for needed federal aid, claims Blair only sent 4 rangers.
Angus says that falls short of previous reports that 40 personnel were going to help Bearskin Lake.
He stresses the community is in shock and this is a clear message of indifference to the crisis.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo issued the following statement:
“I spoke to Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin once again this morning. It is clear Bearskin Lake is not getting the help they need to weather this crisis.
The Chief requested military support on January 1st.
The government waited over a week to act and only sent a handful of Rangers.
The community is overwhelmed and needs more support than this.”
A government official says six rangers are on the ground.
A state of emergency was declared due to a COVID outbreak on December 29.
More than half of the 400 people in Bearskin Lake have tested positive with most in isolation.
Our @CanadianForces are here to help. Yesterday, Rangers were at Bearskin Lake FN to see how best we could support. Today & as needed going forward, they’re helping the community with logistics, safe transportation & the delivery of critical supplies during this difficult time. https://t.co/GQzGi5b2zz
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 9, 2022
Unfortunately, there are over 200 COVID-19 cases in #BearskinLakeFN including Chief Kamenawatamin & nearly all Council. Encouraged that members of the local Canadian Rangers patrol are activated. They do great work. @JustinTrudeau @fordnation @PattyHajdu @BillBlair @GregRickford
— Derek Fox (@gcderekfox) January 10, 2022
