SASKATOON – Changes to systemic problems in Saskatchewan’s north could take years to solve, even after a tragic event like the recent deadly shootings in La Loche, Sask., according to a political studies expert.
“Those kind of things that are around the social challenges, the economic challenges are huge, they’re deep and they’re not going to be solved immediately,” said Greg Poelzer, a University of Saskatchewan political studies professor who specializes in northern governance.
The shootings on Jan. 22 that left four people dead and seven others wounded has ignited calls from community leaders for government to increase its support to the north.
FULL COVERAGE: La Loche school shooting
“Proper education systems for our people, you start talking about wellness centres for people, you start talking about having access to proper mental health strategies in place,” said Perry Bellegarde, the Assembly of First Nations chief to reporters in La Loche on Tuesday.
Poelzer said some things, like grief counseling, could and should happen right away in the community. Immaterial action can also be taken, he said, while waiting for physical results to form.
“What has to happen overnight is our resolve and commitment to address those, to work with communities and to start to put … plans into action,” said Poelzer.
“The provincial north’s are sometimes called the forgotten north,” he added.
Premier Brad Wall has said that discussions with community leaders in La Loche must eventually turn into something more. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the community and signaled that efforts to improve services and address the needs could come in the future.
READ MORE: Trudeau arrives in La Loche, tells community to stand together after shooting
“There is much that we heard today that we entirely agree with and we look forward to with the municipalities and the province and the provinces to address these urgent challenges,” said Trudeau.
“We are engaged across the country in looking at infrastructure needs, looking at health needs, looking at how we restore a right relationship with indigenous people across the country.”
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