RCMP calls for service slashed after closure of La Loche liquor stores, detention orders in place

After people have been educated and continue to disregard public health orders, tickets are then issued to the individual. Yesterday, three people were charged for not following orders.

“One instance, two people who were positive with COVID-19, and still within the 14-day period of isolation period, they chose to go out. We know they were at Korner Gas, we know they were at the post office and at least one other place,” Logan said. “It puts everybody at risk around us when people don’t follow the public health order.”

Local health workers also also receiving complaints about a third individual who was not following health directives and police issued a ticket.

If calls for service stay down, funding the RCMP receives could be directed toward other community programs in the region.

Métis Nation Saskatchewan (MNS) CEO Richard Quintal announced the funding proposal made by MLTC, MNS, the Incident Command Centre, Emergency Operation Centre teams and leadership in northern communities were successful is securing $2.3 million in federal funding. The funds will help support communities in the northwest for the next two months.

“It’s based on what’s needed in terms of the checkpoints, food security, PPE for cleaning, medicine, wood, food for vulnerable people and salaries to operate the Incident Command Centre and support those delivery systems that are out there,” he said.

Food deliveries are currently being arranged for communities in the northwest which should be in place in the coming days. Approximately 30,000 masks and gloves have also been sent up to the northern community.

Executive Director of the La Loche Friendship Centre Leonard Montgrand said the funding will assist five bands in the northwest corridor and communities and Métis locals. Dollars will be disbursed through MNS and MLTC. Items received in the community are prepaid as cash will not be handled by La Loche region. The Métis Nation spoke with Minister Lori Carr in regards to checkpoints.

“I told [her] we have quite a few disgruntled citizens [who are experiencing trouble] bringing back groceries, accessing traditional land use or go[ing] to their cabin,” he said. “This is a work in progress and she’s guaranteed us she’ll come back with an update in regards to a new agreement outlining what can be done.”

Montgrand added there will be an increase of community isolation officers who ensure isolated people stay in quarantine and assist with needs.

Chief Teddy Clark said locals fear travel as they’ve been told not to make any stops for food while travelling to medical appointments. Aggressive testing began on Tuesday, he said, leading to approximately 40 people being tested in Clearwater River.

Clark noted though locals submit to voluntary testing, it’s provided a clearer picture of how widespread the outbreak is and led to more accurate numbers.

With more testing and fewer positive cases, some are requesting an extension to nightly curfews, he said.

“It’s still under discussion, as things progress towards getting better, then well look at removing some measures we’ve put in place to help minimizing the risk of spread and people gathering,” he said. “It won’t happen right away.”

St. Pierre said if anyone knows individuals returning from Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) Horizon oil sands work camp site in Fort McMurray have been urged to isolate as the Alberta site declared an coronavirus outbreak yesterday.

—

nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722

by Nicole Reis

RCMP calls for service slashed after closure of La Loche liquor stores, detention orders in place

What's Trending