A Northern First Nation wants the provincial government should close down liquor sales, to further protect from the coronavirus.
Chief and Council of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation says with the closure of bars and nightclubs, there has been an increase in house parties on the First Nation, where social distancing is not being practiced.
“Since the bars and night clubs have been shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen an increase of house parties on our First Nation. On behalf of Council, we are extremely worried that people at these parties, which involve the use of alcohol, are not practicing social distancing. Consequently, this high-risk behaviour of socializing at house parties will only contribute to the spread of COVID-19. In addition, bootleggers have ramped up their illegal liquor sales on reserve,” said Chief Frank Roberts.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nation has previously called for closing liquor stores, but the province has balked at the idea. Premier Scott Moe said the closures go against harm reduction efforts and could overwhelm addiction treatment services.
“Shut down all liquor sales because we are having issues with alcohol and partying. It’s time to act in the best interests of everyone in Saskatchewan,” Roberts explained.