Ashton Calls for Military Support for Northern First Nations in Need

Thompson – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in northern Manitoba, First Nations are calling for help including military support. The NDP MP for Keewatinook-Aski, Niki Ashton, is joining their calls to the federal government for support.

First Nations and northern communities are taking drastic measures including implementing lockdowns to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, the lack of pre-existing capacity and the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant means that frontline workers providing essential services are also getting sick or off self-isolating. Help is needed to ensure that community members are able to self-isolate and communities are able to maintain lockdowns in order to limit the spread.

"It has been made abundantly clear that First Nations are particularly vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. Our region has gone above and beyond to stay safe but more people are getting sick and we need the federal government to respond to the current urgent needs of communities,” said Ashton. “Remote and isolated communities like Manto Sipi Cree Nation require particular support. This includes bringing the military back to ensure communities are able to function and limit the spread of covid-19. Lives are on the line."

Ashton has reached out to both Ministers of Indigenous Services and Defense to call for action