Flood season is here and the most serious threat is up in Kashechewan First Nation.
That’s according to Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs, who says the government does have a plan for the community.
However, Greg Rickford says he still has concerns with pieces of it as part of the plan considers allowing a certain segment of the population to live out on the land.
“Which is completely acceptable and entirely consistent with the traditions of that community expect that there will still require some coordinated services and programs, namely in health and child services.”
He believes part of the solution still includes the ability to move people into municipalities.
Several local communities are hesitant to act as a ‘Host Site’ because of COVID-19.
Rickford states he’s coordinating a call with mayors of towns and cities across the region this week to get some clarification.
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says some hotels have told him they would be happy to welcome evacuees if they had the proper Personal Protection Equipment and coronavirus testing.
Rickford stresses the government wants to be ready in case any community is evacuated due to flood or forest fire.
