Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he and his government are committed to supporting First Nation communities throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and Ontario’s State of Emergency.



During an interview with Ken O’Neil on the Q Morning Show, Ford said that he would spare no expense to keep First Nation communities safe during the outbreak.



“Just for the beginning, we’ve put $4 million in a relief package for Indigenous communities to support them in the areas of transportation, getting healthcare professionals, and to ensure the proper distribution of critical supplies up there.”



“We’re working closely with Indigenous communities, and we’re there for them. I will spare no expense to make sure that we take care of our people.”



Ford added that he has been working closely with Kenora-Rainy River MPP and Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford on strategies to keep the Indigenous community safe during this crisis.



“You can’t ask for a better representative than Minister Rickford. He lived in Indigenous communities for eight years as a nurse. He’s working closely with Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and and Grand Council Treaty #3 Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh.”



Earlier this month, Kiiwetinoong MPP and Indigenous Affairs critic Sol Mamakwa questioned Ontario’s support for the Indigenous community during the crisis, prior to the State of Emergency.



“Infectious diseases are especially devastating for First Nation communities. The government tells people to wash their hands, but it’s hard to do without clean running water. The government tells people to self-isolate, but how do you do that when there are 10 or 12 people living in the home?”



Across Canada, northwestern Ontario has the highest concentration of long-term drinking water advisories. Of the 62 advisories remaining, 20 of them can be found in the federal Kenora District.



For more information:

Are First Nation communities prepared for the Coronavirus?