NDP MLA Doyle Vermette wants more information about checkpoints before reaching a decision. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

provincial response

Vermette undecided if checkpoints needed in La Ronge

Apr 8, 2020 | 4:28 PM

Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette is undecided on whether or not checkpoints to assess traffic would be appropriate in La Ronge.

“I’m not saying I’m against it or totally for it, I’m saying let’s find out what the reason is,” he said. “There would be questions I would have of those wanting it first and then have an opinion of that.”

In recent days, residents of the tri-communities have taken to social media to express their desire to have checkpoints installed near La Ronge or Air Ronge. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band, for instance, has begun 24-hour monitoring in all of its communities with the exception for the reserves bordering those two municipality. In an interview with larongeNOW, La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said he was against checkpoints, but added no discussions have been had by the three community leaders in regards to that.

Vermette noted he was unsure whether it would be up to the municipalities or the provincial government to implement such checkpoints. He also noted details would need to be agreed upon like whether those from other communities should be let in or if it’s meant to restrict residents from coming and going.

“I guess you would have to know what’s the purpose of it,” Vermette said.

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Vermette has been back in La Ronge since March 18 when the House was suspended in Regina due to COVID-19. He spent much of that time participating with conference calls with either his colleagues with the NDP or individuals and groups throughout northern Saskatchewan. Vermette mentioned he continues to receive complaints from those in the riding and he sends those issues to the appropriate ministry within the government.

With only four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Far North, including La Ronge, for the past several weeks, Vermette would like to see more testing done. He claims there have been 260 tests performed in the region since testing began.

“I think we’re the lowest number for testing,” Vermette said. “If you look at the numbers, there doesn’t seem to be a lot and I don’t know what the reasoning is. I don’t know if it’s adequate, I’m no expert.”

Vermette also backed Opposition Leader Ryan Meile’s call for a special committee to provide guidance and direction for the government’s response to the pandemic. That committee would include government and the Opposition, as well as First Nations and Métis leaders, and those in health, education, social services, justice, business and labour.

In an email to larongeNOW, a provincial spokesperson stated the government appreciates the engagement of the NDP Opposition, as well as the continued engagement of leaders from across the province.

“To ensure key stakeholders remain informed on the measures being taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe and various cabinet ministers are holding routine briefings with leaders from Saskatchewan municipalities, First Nations, and businesses,” the email stated. “The Minister of Health is also in routine communication with the Leader of the Opposition and is providing the NDP caucus with the same briefing material that is being provided to the government caucus.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno