MP Niki Ashton says the federal government must act immediately to support Tataskweyak Cree Nation.

This comes after the First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and incidents of self-harm.

Ashton says the community has been clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on young people’s mental health, and the few resources that existed in the community were overstretched and inadequate.

She goes on to add the situation highlights how Ottawa is failing to provide hope and supports to youth in northern and Indigenous communities.