Andrea Horwath says she’s shocked and considerably concerned with the remarks of Premier Doug Ford towards the MPP for Kiiwetinoong.
The leader of the NDP has sent a letter to the premier after Sol Mamakwa was accused of “jumping the line” to get his COVID-19 shot.
Horwath says the remarks amount to a reckless, and dangerous undermining of multiple interlocking efforts by First Nations, local governments, Ontario, public health authorities, and the Government of Canada to ensure all Indigenous adults, both on and off reserve receive the vaccine.
She adds Mamakwa took part in a campaign to combat vaccine hesitancy in Indigenous communities by being publicly vaccinated at the request of First Nations and public health leaders.
“This was part of an effort to communicate to First Nations and remote communities, elders and residents that the vaccine is safe, and that they should be vaccinated as a shield against COVID-19.”
She adds as a member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Mamakwa not only qualified for the vaccination he received, but was specifically asked to get his shots publicly to assist with the goals of vaccine roll-out, in particular Ontario’s Operation Remote Immunity.
Horwath states he received his first shot in Muskrat Dam First Nation, at the invitation of Chief Gordon Beardy, with the support of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority.
Mamakwa received his second shot in Sandy Lake First Nation, at the invitation of Chief Delores Kakegamic.
The NDP leader ends her letter to Premier Doug Ford by stating:
“It is imperative that you recant your baseless insult hurled at an Indigenous MPP and First Nations leader, and clarify immediately for all Indigenous people, on and off reserve, that they should get the COVID-19 vaccination. You must also set the record straight, and clarify that you fully support and will empower all efforts to ensure Indigenous people, and all Ontarians, are speedily vaccinated to bring an end to this pandemic.”
MPP @solmamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) took part in a campaign on Monday to combat vaccine hesitancy in First Nations communities by publicly getting his shot today, at the request of First Nations and public health leaders. https://t.co/peV1BBXwLH
— Ontario NDP (@OntarioNDP) February 1, 2021
On March 1, 2021, I was invited by Sandy Lake First Nation to receive my 2nd dose of Moderna vaccine. I was there to promote vaccine uptake in fly-in First Nations.
Meegwetch to Dr. Suzanne Shoush for the shot. pic.twitter.com/M6K2JB8Y0H
— Sol Mamakwa MPP (@solmamakwa) March 7, 2021
