Federal government sends aid to Kashechewan to battle spread of COVID-19
With COVID-19 cases climbing in Kashechewan, the federal government is responding to the community's call for help.
Indigenous Services Canada announced today, it's sending Canadian Rangers, nurses; and funding for: food, PPE, and testing among other supports.
Timmins-James Bay member of Parliament for the New Democratic Party said the help is welcomed, but it's coming a week late. He said requests for assistance were made last week and they didn't come.
He said now, there are around two-hundred confirmed COVID-19 cases in a community of about 1800 members and most of them are young children, some infants. There are also cases in Moosonee, Attawapiskat and Moose Factory, bringing the total number of cases on the James Bay Coast to nearly three-hundred.
“You should have never have left people who were infected with COVID-19 in homes with 16 or 20 people," said Angus during a telephone interview with CTV News.
"It’s created a situation that has really really turned into a crisis. So I’m glad they’re showing up now."
Angus said, in the meantime, the community's been working with the Mennonite Central Committee to airlift supplies and medical supports ... "because the Feds haven't been there. They have not shown up until it's a really bad crisis."
Angus added, the Red Cross is also on the ground helping local health officials there.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.