The federal government is being asked to do more to support the winter road network in the far north.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Jason Smallboy says the roads play a critical role in the transportation of fuel.
“When a community doesn’t get all the fuel that they need they have to fly it in. When that happens a lot of the communities have to pay for it out of their own pocket through other programs within the community and that’s a financial strain.”
He adds, “The communities only have so much money that their provided with to run these programs and services. And then when costs, like say not getting enough fuel up to the community because of the winter road (closure) happens, then it puts more strains.”
Smallboy notes it costs up to half-a-million to a million dollars to fly in fuel to remote communities.
Smallboy stresses that impacts leaderships planning of where that money should have actually been used.
He says winter roads also enable residents to travel South to buy groceries at more reasonable prices.
“They buy in bulk. I know a lot of people take trucks and just fill them up with basic staples. Our communities are looking for cheaper products that they use day-to-day that people living in urban areas get to enjoy every day.”
Smallboy also spoke about the need for programs to assist Indigenous peoples who want to get out on the land.
“What we need to do is create more programs and services that encourages our people to be more out on the land. Because the way that it is right now a lot of people can’t afford to go out on the land. It is starting to become a luxury.”
Jason Smallboy recently addressed the Federal Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee.
