Village of Air Ronge Mayor Gordon Stomp and Town of La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said their communities were not consulted on the Saskatchewan government’s decision to lift non-essential travel restrictions into the north-central and northeastern regions of the province.
Stomp said he found out about the ban being lifted on social media.
“Mostly, I’m a little surprised with the lack of information or consultation with the municipalities,” Stomp said.
Woytowich said he thinks the municipalities were given the chance to voice their thoughts in recent meetings with Minister of Government Relations Lori Carr.
“All the mayors have been meeting weekly with the Minister over the phone and what happens is this is all discussed,” Woytowich said. “We all have a chance to express our opinion.”
Woytowich said he is trusting the provinces’ judgement on re-opening the only highway into La Ronge and Air Ronge.
“I guess it’s a good thing if the province feels that it’s an appropriate time,” Woytowich said.
Stomp said he thinks they could have opened more gradually to prevent a possible COVID-19 outbreak.
“I think we could’ve been a little more cautious in opening wide up yet,” Stomp said.
The province announced seven new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday—four in Beauval and three in La Loche.
Only travel to and from the northwestern region of the province is still limited to essential services.
The Lac La Ronge Indian Band was not immediately available for comment.