Statement Regarding Concerns with the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile

FORT ST. JOHN – Bob Zimmer, Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Northern Economic Development Agency, issued the following statement regarding concerns with the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile and how readily available these medical supplies are for communities in the North:

“Any potential COVID-19 outbreak in remote communities in the North could have a devastating impact and these communities need readily available medical supplies and equipment to help prevent the spread.

“Recent comments made by Health Minister Patty Hajdu about the national stockpile heading into the COVID-19 pandemic are deeply concerning, which is why I have reached out to all three territorial premiers to inquire into the status of any requests they have made.

“I have also written to Minister Hajdu seeking more information on the current level of supplies in the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile, as well as how long it will take for any requested supplies to reach remote communities in the North.

“Given recent reports of some First Nations concerned about the lack of personal protective equipment available to health care workers in their communities, the government must address how they are ensuring our Northern communities have access to these vitally important supplies now and in the weeks ahead

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