As we have been watching developments across Canada and around the world one thing is clear, COVID-19 is impacting on our region.
As I write this, there are three confirmed cases in our region. We don’t officially know where, what the circumstances are and what followup measures have been taken.
While many people in the north are off work or school and at home, others are continuing to have to work. While the province has extended the shutdown to finally include such venues as bars, mines and construction camps continue to operate.
There has been some sign of progress in terms of federal mobilization, including clearly committing the military to be available for deployment in northern and Indigenous communities. At the same time there is not much sign of real action on the ground. Many committees have put forth proposals for field hospitals and isolation centres. Not much has happened.
There has been some progress in clearing the backlog of testing. But it is becoming increasingly clear that Canada is well behind other jurisdictions who have been able to do significant mass targeted testing and in the process, make real progress on COVID-19.
Most people are following the directions to socially isolate including staying at home if they can. At the same time I am getting many reports from people throughout our region saying that some people continue to ignore these important guidelines putting themselves and others at risk.
I have continued to keep in touch, in direct contact with people and social media over this past week.
I believe that transparency and communication are important. I have advocated for that from both provincial and federal authorities. Transparency is being increasingly acknowledged as one of the most critical factors to a successful flight against the COVID-19 virus.
I have advocated for testing. Once again jurisdictions around the world have been able to mobilize nationally and significantly step up their testing.
I have advocated for action. Real action on the ground. Action that reflects both the vulnerability we have in the north and the fact that we have far fewer resources to deal with any significant COVID-19 outbreak. That includes advocating for testing, making sure our healthcare professionals have personal protective equipment, mobilizing the military, constructing field hospitals, shutting down mines and Keeyask with income support to workers, ensuring full income support to workers and small businesses, support for seniors and others on fixed incomes.
I have also spoken out strongly in support of those in our region that have taken action. Particularly the First Nations that have moved to restrict access coming into their communities. Once again, experience around the world has showed that shutdowns - real shutdowns - are critical to stopping the spread of this pandemic. I think the steps that many of these countries have taken is already slowing down the potential spread of the virus.
As I write this, I’m going off to do another Facebook Live, something I have done regularly since the outbreak of the pandemic.
My message each and every time is very clear. My role as MP is to speak out and advocate for our region. I will be continuing to do this. At the same time I have encouraged people to contact me directly with concerns they have.
I know there is a great deal of anxiety and concern in our region. People are concerned not just for their own health but for the health of their family and neighbours and community. They want action.
My goal is to fight to ensure we are there for every single person in our region during this critical time.
