Northern leaders are expressing frustration at Premier Moe for what they say is singling out First Nations for low COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Following the federal election, Moe tried to blame Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not doing more to boost immunization rates on some First Nation communities, stating Ottawa had exclusive jurisdiction.
“Our Far North and Indigenous communities are running at a vaccination rate lower than 50 percent, some as low as 23 percent. This is an area where we have some of the highest COVID transmissions in the province and this is an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction,” said Moe.
The Prince Albert Grand Council said it was disappointed and offended by Moe’s comments.
“The North was described as vulnerable yet this government did not distribute the vaccine in what was perceived as a fair manner. The political leadership of the North had to lobby for proper allotment of vaccines. The message was not one of inclusion rather it was exclusion,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.
The website COVID-19 Tracker Canada, cites full immunization rates in the Far North at 43.15 percent. The South, Saskatoon, Central and North regions of the province have full vaccinated rates between 57 and 60 percent.
The PGAC and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations are both calling for unity to help address vaccination rates.
“That is not correct, and the Premier needs to focus his attention on other real matters instead of attempting to be divisive,” explained Allan Adam, CEO of the Athabasca Health Authority.