Statement: 2020 Election and COVID-19

For Immediate Release

March 20, 2020

STATEMENT: 2020 ELECTION AND COVID-19

Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 –

“As a member of Council, I believe in the principle of “Govern as One” as outlined in the Executive Act of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation; as the Councillor responsible for Emergency Management, the safety and well-being of our people has always been my primary concern.

The decision to proceed with the Election at this time, is a decision I disagree with – and I expressed that disagreement – but I am only one voice. I, along with one of my colleagues were vocal at the Council table that conducting the election at this time poses an unnecessary risk.

There are many valid concerns as to why we should proceed with the election, and I will absolutely respect the decisions and processes established by our Chief Electoral Officer, but I have, and will continue to maintain, that with a global pandemic declared by the World Health Organization, a state of emergency declared by the Province of Saskatchewan, and our own Emergency Management Team closing public buildings and imposing extraordinary measures to promote responsible ‘social distancing’, the decision to proceed with our election at this time places an unnecessary risk to our community.

In two weeks or a month, our collective efforts to ‘flatten the curve’ will begin to show some progress; that the diligence shown and efforts taken by our Emergency Management Team will keep our community safe; and that they will continue to work with compassion to do what is in the best interests of the Nation in an complex, evolving situation.

My primary concern has always been for the safety and well-being of our community members and especially at this time, our Elders. Wash your hands, practice responsible ‘social distancing’, and pray for our community.“

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