Media Statement – Premier Caroline Cochrane hosts COVID-19 call with Indigenous and community leaders

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane today hosted a telephone briefing and discussion on COVID-19 planning and preparedness with mayors and chiefs from community governments, as well as leaders of NWT Indigenous governments and organizations.

The Premier was joined on the call by MP Michael McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Paulie Chinna, as well as Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, and Ivan Russell, the Director of Public Safety with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

Premier Cochrane reminded participants that strong, collective action from all levels of government based on the recommendations of the Chief Public Health Officer will help the Northwest Territories to manage and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in our communities.

Premier Cochrane also shared that Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has been able to learn and apply lessons from jurisdictions already experiencing COVID-19 and began its own preparations weeks before a pandemic was declared, enabling the NWT to take the right measures to respond to COVID-19 before it reaches the NWT.

The Premier committed to regular calls with leaders and encouraged all participants to help spread the message that people can help fight COVID-19 and mitigate its spread in our communities by working together and following the advice of the Chief Public Health Officer.

For more information:

Cabinet Communications

Government of the Northwest Territories

presssecretary@gov.nt.ca

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