The provincial government says it will be increasing support to La Loche in light of the recent tragedy.
Several government ministries say they will be providing immediate short-term supports, but there are no current long-term plans in place as of yet.
Donna Johnson, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health, says the elementary school in La Loche will be temporarily transformed into a crisis response centre.
“The community space that is available in La Loche is fairly limited and we do need to have space where people can go to receive crisis counselling and other services,” says Johnson.
Johnson also says the Ministry will be back-filling the staff in the community schools to not only fill in for the victims but also the staff who have been strongly affected by the tragedy.
On whether the school should be torn down, Johnson says they will continue to communicate with the community to determine their needs going forward.
“We have heard what the acting mayor and others have said and we understand their need and we are committed to ensure the school going forward is a part of the community’s healing process,” says Johnson.
No word yet on when students in the community may return to an educational environment.
The Ministry of Health is also sending supports to La Loche.
Kathy Willerth, the ministry’s Mental Health and Addictions Director, says they will be moving qualified people into the community to provide support.
“We are committed to providing supports to that will address the medical and mental health needs of La Loche residents — specifically, in terms of mental health and addictions as well as all other needs,” says Willerth.
She also says people should be aware of the 811 Health Line if they need any support following the tragedy.