Sol Mamakwa MPP for Kiiwetinoong

Government of Ontario

Mamakwa calls on Ford to help evacuated Keewaywin families

Published on July 4, 2019

QUEEN’S PARK – Kiiwetinoong NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa is calling on the Ford government to support the evacuation of Keewaywin families who have evacuated their community due to the threat of fire.

“The recent Sioux Lookout emergency declaration brings home the point that Doug Ford must act with urgency to ensure that towns and cities in the North are fully resourced to help with evacuations during all emergencies throughout the forest fire season.

I commend Sioux Lookout authorities for the assistance they have provided in welcoming families evacuated from Keewaywin First Nation, and for making sure they are safe, housed and comforted.

The Ford government must recognize the work and effort involved in this evacuation and make sure that Sioux Lookout has the resources and funds it needs to do its work.

Northern Ontario has been ravaged by forest fires. The Ford government must be proactive in responding to climate change emergencies like these.

This government must start working with northern towns and First Nation communities to support emergency preparedness training, and evacuation plans.

There is no more time to delay. Climate emergencies demand emergency planning now.”