(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

A healthy community

Province not considering ban on alcohol sales at this stage, premier says

Apr 2, 2020 | 5:13 PM

An increase in house parties has been a direct result of the temporary closure bars and restaurants in the province, according to the Chief of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

Frank Roberts is one of several voices asking the province to ban all liquor sales until the COVID-19 pandemic is over. When asked about concerns related to bootlegging, Roberts explained the community is already on top of that through its housing program.

“These people that are having the parties at their places where there’s like over a dozen people gathered, they’ve been sent warning letters,” Roberts said.

Effective Friday, all non-member access to the northern community is being restricted with the exception of essential services such as food and gas trucks, and the nurses who work in the community. Check-stops have been set up outside the community for the past week. Roberts said those who live in nearby Timber Bay and Molanosa will still be granted access.

Province not considering restrictions on alcohol sales

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Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Premier Scott Moe said the province is not considering any restrictions on liquor sales at this time, but that could change in the days and weeks ahead.

“There are no restrictions that we’re actively considering today, as we’re pleased with the fact there’s no deaths today and a relatively low number of positive IDs,” Moe said.

“We’ll continue to work with our community leaders, our Indigenous leaders as well as the advice of Dr. Shahab and our health authority in any of the decision we make as we move forward.”

Ban on alcohol sales could have unintended consequences

Meanwhile, the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority’s top doctor told paNOW while he understood Montreal Lake leadership’s concerns, a ban on alcohol sales could have dangerous unintended consequences.

Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka explained people who are alcohol dependent might turn to potentially poisonous substances to combat withdrawal symptoms.

“These individuals might resort to making homemade brew or alcohol liquids such as hand sanitizer and antifreeze which may constitute a huge health hazard,” he said.

He added detox services could also be overwhelmed.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow