Question Period Note: Reported COVID-19 cases in St-James, BC

• We are aware of the reported COVID-19 cases in St-James, BC and are monitoring the situation closely.

• Our government continues to work collaboratively with the First Nations Health Authority to ensure that all resources are in place to support the affected First Nation communities, which are adjacent to the municipality of St James.

• We have full confidence in the First Nations Health Authority and the leadership of Nak’azdli Whut’en and other First Nations, and remain available to provide surge capacity, as needed.

The provincial government has sent a rapid-response team of paramedics to Fort St. James, BC, where at least 60 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the community of around 1,500.

Mayor Bob Motion has said that there is concern in the area, particularly for First Nation communities.

In response, Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation announced that it would shut down for at least two weeks in an effort to help the community lower its rate of transmission as its health-care system is strained.

Chief Aileen Prince said that the community is working with Northern Health and the BC First Nations Health Authority to reduce the spread of the virus.

If pressed on measures in place

• We are happy to hear that Chief Aileen Prince is working closely with the Northern Health and the BC First Nations Health Authority to reduce the spread of the virus within his community.

• Nak’azdli Whut’en announced it would shut down for at least two weeks in an effort to help the community lower its rate of transmission.

• The provincial government has also sent a rapid response team of paramedics to Fort St. James, BC.

• We remain fully ready to work with partners to provide surge supports should Nak’azdli Whut’en or other surrounding First Nations require it.