New committee in the works to coordinate COVID-19 protocols on Manitoulin

Communities on Manitoulin Island including municipalities and First Nations are working on forming a cooperative committee to deal with COVID-19 and the impending arrival of cottagers as well as tourism impacts.
Aundeck Omni Kaning Chief Patsy Corbiere, who is also the chair of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin, says a letter has been sent to the Manitoulin Municipal Association stating it has not considered the health and safety of First Nations as part of its COVID-19 strategies.
She says First Nations have been implementing their own protocols but adds it is not a political issue, but a focus on coordinating efforts for what is usually a busy time of the year.
She has suggested an independent coordinated leadership committee be set up between the six-member First Nation and the municipalities.
Northeast Manitoulin and the Island Mayor Al MacNevin agrees that there has been a disconnect between the two bodies although there has always been an open-door policy in place.
He points out tensions have also been rising since M’Chigeeng First Nation shut down the main highway forcing travellers to go around the reserve to reach communities such as Kagawong and Gore Bay.
Corbiere suggests the new committee should have eight members made up of an equal number of First Nation and municipal representatives as well as experts in public health and safety.
MacNevin agrees and says he will support forming the committee if asked to do so.
The initiative is now being discussed among all the communities on the Island.