Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is calling for government’s to address emergency-response gaps in the north.
The call from the Cree Nation comes after they say a Southend couple was left stranded on a remote island for 48 hours.
The couple went travelling on the water on the afternoon of November 13 when they experienced boat issues, stranding them on the island.
A family member would launch a search party the next morning. The couple would eventually be found on November 15 suffering from what was said to be hypothermia.
According to PBCN, RCMP was contacted on the night of November 13, but left search efforts to community members.
PBCN says, with no cell service in the region, efforts to secure medical transport for the couple faced several gaps and delays.
Responders were reportedly told to call 911 to activate medical services, but say they couldn’t because of no cell coverage in the area.
The Cree Nation says a helicopter was arranged after a six-hour delay and La Ronge EMS provided care during the flight.
The couple is said to be safe.
“These gaps in the provincial emergency-response system place a northern family at significant risk,” said PBCN Chief Peter Beatty. “This incident shows that both levels of government must strengthn their emergency-response responsibilities in the North.”
The PBCN says immediate reforms are needed and they are prepared to work with both levels of government to advance solutions.