The federal government has received Ontario’s formal request for the military to be sent to Bearskin Lake First Nation to help with its rapidly growing COVID-19 outbreak, and is working with the community on what it may need, says Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu.
Hajdu said Friday the federal government had only just received the request, which she called a necessary component for military deployment.
“We’re working with the community right now to determine what kind of skills they’re looking for,” she said.
The formal request was made Thursday, five days after Chief Lefty Kamenawatamin publicly asked Ottawa for military support. Pressure on the federal government has been growing throughout the week, as case counts have risen and staff have become overwhelmed, despite assistance from other nearby First Nations.
At least 200 people in Bearskin Lake — a community of roughly 400, some 600 kilometres north from Thunder Bay — have tested positive for the virus in the last 10 days. More than half of the community is in quarantine.
“Bearskin Lake First Nation has fewer than 20 staff members trying to assist hundreds of community members who are unable to leave their homes to obtain necessities, including firewood for heating, food, and medicine,” said Ontario Solicitor General Slyvia Jones in a letter to Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.
The letter asks for the support to begin immediately and continue 14 days from the date of deployment, with an option to extend by up to two weeks, or until the outbreak is manageable with local resources.
WATCH | Grand chief calls for military help:
Derek Fox, the grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and a member of Bearskin Lake, is calling for the federal government to deploy members of the military to help battle a major COVID-19 outbreak in the remote First Nation. 7:09
The letter also makes note of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in First Nations across Ontario, including outbreaks in Ginoogaming, Aroland and Attawapiskat.
“The [provincial emergency operations centre] is also aware of additional First Nation communities in Ontario that are experiencing similar COVID-19 related emergencies who may also be in future need of federal assistance for similar tasks,” said the letter.
Hajdu said the surge in Bearskin Lake is unlike any other Indigenous Services Canada has seen during the pandemic.
“Indigenous Services Canada has been working with the community over the holidays, and certainly every single day has been co-ordinating meetings with the community,” she said, adding the government has provided financial and logistical support, including chartered flights to bring in people and equipment.
Late Friday morning, fellow federal cabinet ministers were asked during a media briefing about further supports for the community.
WATCH | Health minister addresses situation in Bearskin Lake
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos speaks about Bearskin Lake First Nation’s COVID-19 outbreak, but stops short of committing military to help. 2:01
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos deferred when it came to the question of military involvement, but said his department is working with Indigenous Services Canada.
Duclos told media he’d prefer to direct them to Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair and Hajdu for any more information.
