A local MP’s apparent lack of appreciation for the severity of the state of emergency declared by Nishnawbe Aski Nation over the territory’s youth suicide crisis is concerning to a deputy grand chief.
When reached Friday afternoon, NAN Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox said comments made by MP Don Rusnak (Lib., Thunder Bay-Rainy River) at an Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development standing committee meeting earlier this month indicate the issue can be put on the backburner.
“It was insensitive and had a lack of compassion for the issue. I understand what he’s saying in the video that it’s also a national issue,” Fox said in a telephone interview with TBT News.
“The issue here is being dismissive of the NAN suicide crisis, being dismissive of our state of emergency.”
Rusnak made the comments on March 8 when speaking to the committee in Ottawa about a motion introduced by NDP MP Charlie Angus that the committee undertake a study of the state of health emergency declared in communities of the NAN and Mushkegowuk regions.
He said he knows suicide is also an issue in places such as Treaty Three communities and Alberta First Nation communities where he has previously worked.
“I know that Nishnawbe Aski Nation, who I’m well familiar with because a lot of their people come to Thunder Bay and I’m familiar with their leadership, have an issue and have declared a state of emergency but over the last 10 years they’ve declared a lot of states of emergency over the suicide crisis,” Rusnak said.
“I’m not saying this isn’t an issue we should immediately discuss but I don’t think there’s harm in putting it off a little bit to make sure we’re inclusive all communities that are facing this crisis in Canada.”
But saying there is “no harm” to not addressing NAN’s concerns immediately is a significant understatement of what is at stake in communities across the region, Fox argued.
“This is about the issue of suicide. This is our young people dying in the north,” Fox said. “My concern is someone on this Aboriginal committee being dismissive of a motion to bring action to this suicide epidemic.”
Rusnak issued a statement later Friday to clarify his views, saying his intention was to reword the motion to be more reflective of communities all across the country.
“The suicide crisis in NAN Territory is clearly not something that I take lightly. It’s an issue of the utmost pressing concern for me. I also believe it is of great importance that we get all of the communities facing these hardships the assistance they require quickly,” the statement reads.
The committee, including Rusnak, ultimately voted in favour of the motion.
Rusnak added he intends to meet with NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler “as soon as possible” to discuss the situation.
