Question Period Note: North Caribou Lake Community Clinic Repairs

• The health and wellbeing of First Nations communities remains our top priority.
• The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring First Nations communities with Nursing Stations are adequately staffed and providing services to community members.
• To support nursing services to North Caribou Lake First Nation, ISC has provided immediate funding to Windigo First Nations Council to ensure emergency response efforts, assessments and repairs are quickly executed.

Timeline
On October 18, 2022, the sprinkler system located in the attic of the Sena Memorial Nursing Station in North Caribou Lake First Nation suffered a failure which resulted in the collapse of the ceiling above apartment #3, flooding and other damage. The First Nation was very supportive and provided emergency response support to the nursing staff and assisted with obtaining accommodations. During the week of October 24, 2022, nurses in community tested positive for COVID-19 and were unable to self-isolate due to the lack of nursing station. Nurses remain in community and are available to see patients at a temporary clinic.

Current Status
On Monday, October 31, Vipond Ltd. conducted an assessment of the fire alarm system and sprinkler systems and are determining what immediate repairs are possible. ServiceMaster has completed the initial clean up and remedial assessment. ISC, North Caribou Lake and Windigo are waiting for ServiceMaster’s report outlining additional building repairs that may be needed. RVI Group Ltd. conducted an engineering and structural assessment on Monday, October 31 to determine if the nursing station is safe to occupy while repairs are undertaken. ISC, North Caribou Lake and Windigo are awaiting the results of this assessment. Boles Mechanical conducted an assessment of the mechanical and HVAC systems. A quote and timeline for recommended repairs is expected imminently. Nurses are currently lodging in the Ontario Provincial Police construction camp, also known as Horizons trailer, though there is concern with the location as North Caribou First Nation is requesting the nurses vacate the camp to allow other providers lodging.

Funding
North Caribou Lake First Nation has agreed to have Windigo First Nations Council act on their behalf to administer the funds related to the emergency response and complete the repairs/reconstruction of the nursing station/residences. On October 27, 2022, ISC approved funding in the amount of $500,000 to Windigo First Nations Council as an emergency measure to assist with addressing the failure of the sprinkler system. Further funding to cover all costs associated with the remediation and reconstruction, emergency response and other associated costs will be forthcoming as the scope of work is identified and approved by North Caribou Lake First Nation.

If pressed on current nursing services available in the community
• A temporary medical clinic, including emergency room, was set up in the Jordan’s Principle and COVID-19 testing trailers to ensure community members are able to seek safe and reliable services.
• In addition to nursing staff in the community, ISC Nurse Managers and an Addiction Specialist are providing direction and care.
• On November 3, 2022, a Community Medical Doctor and medical student are scheduled to arrive.
If pressed on current nursing contingent

• Nursing staff in place. Starting November 2, 2022, 3 nurses and one Nurse Manager will be in community for two weeks.
• Nurses are lodging in the Ontario Provincial Police construction camp, also known as Horizons trailer.
• 10 domes and one BluMed facility – for a total of 10 beds – are being installed in the community over the next two weeks on an interim basis. Installation begins November 2, 2022.
• FNIHB’s ability to recruit and retain nurses remains a barrier to effective staffing and levels are anticipated to remain critical with agency nurses providing the majority of the work force.