Skip to Content

*UPDATE: Kenora MP On Bearskin Lake Crisis

Dryden, ON, Canada / CKDR
Mike Ebbeling
Jan 11, 2022 | 7:25 AM


*UPDATE: Kenora MP On Bearskin Lake Crisis

From MPP Sol Mamakwa Twitter account

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.