In the wake of recent reports of scurvy cases in the north, a northern Saskatchewan MLA is reaching out to the federal government to intervene.
Recent reports from a doctor treating northern patients in La Ronge, found 27 cases of scurvy, or Vitamin C deficiency, among just over 50 patients tested. The tests were done at the behest of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.
In the days after that report was made public, Cumberland NDP MLA Jordan McPhail who also serves as the Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs called on the provincial government to intervene by suspending the provincial fuel tax and removing PST from groceries.
McPhail’s hope was that these steps would give northerners relief on the high cost of living. However, the SaskParty government made no movement on these calls during the fall sitting of the legislative assembly.
The northern MLA has now switched gears to focus on intervention from the federal government.
McPhail has sent a letter to Canada’s Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
In the letter, McPhail urged the minister to take immediate action on outstanding recommendations to alleviate the cost of living for northerners.
McPhail’s letter to the minister can be found here – McPhail to Anandasangaree – Northern food costs
An interview McPhail did with MBC News is available here.
(TOP PHOTO – Jordan McPhail speaks at a media event in Saskatoon. Photo by Joel Willick)