Mandatory 14 day quarantine now in force for travellers

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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The federal government has announced a mandatory 14 day quarantine for travellers returning to Canada and will impose penalties on those who defy the order.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu announced Wednesday that the previous directive for travellers to self-isolate for 14 days to stop the spread of COVID-19 would now be mandatory.

“Effective at midnight tonight travellers returning to Canada with the exception of essential workers will be subject to a mandatory 14 day isolation under the Quarantine Act,” Hajdu said before the Senate when discussing the new emergency legislation to free up money to assist in the response to COVID-19.

She explained that the new measure is in place to provide clarity for those re-entering the country about the need to self-isolate.

“Individuals who exhibit symptoms upon arrival in Canada are forbidden also from using public transit to travel to their places of self-isolation. Travellers who return to Canada will not be able to leave their homes or have visitors for two weeks following their return to the country,” Hajdu said.

“Individuals who exhibit symptoms upon arrival in Canada are forbidden also from using public transit to travel to their places of self-isolation. They will also be forbidden to self-isolate in a place with vulnerable people. Alternative arrangements for people in these circumstances will be made by the Public Health Agency of Canada” such as through hotels.

“Earlier this month, we asked all travellers to self-isolate when they returned to Canada. Today, we are making this isolation mandatory under the Quarantine Act to better protect our most vulnerable”. Hajdu tweeted in the morning.

The new rules come into effect at midnight and are not applied retroactively. The measures also apply to individuals returning from the United States. Those deemed essential workers will not be eligible.

The Health Minister is using powers under the Quarantine Act to impose these new restrictions.

She also said all travellers who do not have private vehicles will be provided transportation.

Later in the day Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland provided more clarity in the daily Ministers press conference. She explained that it applies at midnight to all travellers into Canada.

“And just let me remind people that already when people fly into Canada already at those kiosks which you are familiar with you get a screening which strongly recommends that you self-isolate for 14 days and you have to acknowledge that you received that strong recommendation,” she said.

Beginning at midnight, travellers will give contact details of all people coming into Canada.

“But let me emphasize you should be doing it already. This is a step we can all take to protect the health and safety of Canadians and ultimately to insure our economic rebound comes more quickly. If we can flatten the curve than we can go back to normal life more quickly,” Freeland said.

Maximum penalties could include fines of up to $7,500 and six months imprisonment.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the move during his morning update Thursday.

He thanked the vast majority of travellers who have been self-isolating for 14 days when they arrive.

Then, he turned to those who aren’t.

“The premiers, Dr. (Theresa) Tam and public health officials have all been very clear on this. Go home and stay home for 14 days,” he said.

“Some people have not been taking this seriously. They’re stopping by the grocery store. They’re getting together with friends. This kind of conduct is not just disappointing, it’s dangerous.”

That’s why, he said, the federal government was forced to enact the quarantine act.

“We know the vast majority of Canadians have been following the guidelines set out for their own protection and the protection of all of us. Unfortunately, there are a number of people not following the guidelines which is why we’ve had to take this next step so Canadians who do not … self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon entering Canada will be facing fines and jailtime.”

He faced criticism from reports who asked why it had taken this long for the quarantine measures to come into force.

He said that the requirement to self-isolate was there from the beginning, and instructions were given to returning travelers. Many followed those instructions.

“They know it’s about protecting their own safety, the safety of their loved ones and the safety of (health care workers),” he said. “Unfortunately, too many have not.”

Trudeau said public health officials will follow-up with returning travelers to ensure they are following the rules. Enforcement, he said, will happen with police and other enforcement officers.

Canada urging US not to send troops to border

Trudeau also addressed concerns that US President Donald Trump was intending to send the military to the border to stop Canadians from trying to sneak into the US and bring COVID-19 with them.

“Canada and the United States have the longest unmilitarized border in the world and it is in both our country’s interests that it stay this way. We have been in discussions with the United States about this.”

He said Canada has told the US it’s important that border remain unmilitarized.

The US has 63,570 cases to date, the third-most in the world behind only China and Italy. According to the WHO, 884 Americans have died from COVID-19.

Canada has 4,018 confirmed cases. A total of 35 Canadians have died from the illness.

–with files from Peter Lozinski

New $2,000 benefit part of COVID-19 aid package

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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New $2,000 benefit part of COVID-19 aid package

The federal government’s multi-billion dollar aid package has been passed into law.

After a day of deliberations, the House of Commons passed what is now known as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and later in the evening it passed the Senate. The passing of the Covid-19 aid package was delayed by Conservative objections to certain elements introduced by the Liberals. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would back off of those elements.

One element of the newly passed $107 billion aid package is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit which combines the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.

“For businesses we moved very quickly to help them bridge through this time to help them get the liquidity they need at a time of crisis and significant slowdown in the economy,” Trudeau said in his daily press conference at Rideau Cottage on Wednesday.

“For people at home we recognize that loosening up rules around credit is also a possibility. We have taken actions on that, we know people are anxious, we know that their final paycheques from two weeks ago last week are starting to come in and they don’t know where the next one is coming. That’s why the Canada Emergency Response Benefit is going to flow as a way of giving them $2,000 every month for the next four months so that we can get through this together,” he explained.

He also explained that the government would be redeploying 1,300 staff to process the claims. The portal for accessing the CERB will be available in early April. The payments would begin within 10 days of application. It would be paid every four weeks and available from March 15 to October 20.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a taxable benefit that would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After negotiations it combined the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.

The CERB would cover people who lost their job, are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19. It will also cover working parents who stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school or daycare closures.

It would not apply to wager earners as well as contract workers and the self-employed who would not otherwise be eligible for EI.

Workers who are employed but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situations due to COVID-19 would also be eligible. This was put in place to help businesses keep employees as they navigate the situation and ensure they can resume operations quickly.

The EI system was not designed to process the nearly one million applications received in the last week at last report. In response, residents, whether they are EI-eligible or not, can receive the CERB.

Those who are already receiving EI and sickness benefits as of the announcement would continue to receive them and should not apply. If the EI benefits end before October 3 they could apply for the CERB once they stop if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19. Anyone who has already applied and not had their EI processed do not have to reapply. Individuals who are eligible for EI and sickness benefits would still have access to their normal benefits if they are still unemployed after the 16-week period covered by the CERB.

The portal for accessing the CERB will be available in early April. The payments would begin within 10 days of application. It would be paid every four weeks and available from March 15 to October 20.

Medication supply in good shape if you are responsible

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Medication supply in good shape if you are responsible

The Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan are not at present concerned about possible shortages of medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Myla Bulych Director of Professional Practice for the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan medication supplies are stable at present in the province.

She explained that at present the vast majority of medications are available as per usual. There have been shortages in the past and medication supplies remain stable because of policies in place that limit the ability to stockpile.

“Most medications are being offered in 30 day supply just so that we can make sure absolutely everybody can get what they need. In this time people can panic and they might think that need a little bit more but in fact that can cause issues for somebody else,”

“I think as long as we continue to fill prescriptions as needed there is not going to be an issue,” she added.

“Because the supply is there if we get anxious and are filling more than what is needed it will have implications. But we are hoping that these measures that have been put in place will prevent that and so far so good for the vast majority of medications out there.”

Bulych advised that people should continue to take their medications as prescribed, contact their pharmacist 24 hours in advance by phone and limit their interactions not just in the pharmacy but everywhere.

“If patients protect themselves it translates into protection for our healthcare workers and we need all of our healthcare workers healthy and at their best so they can provided services to the patients that need it most,” she said.

She added that Saskatchewan’s pharmacists are committed to maintaining continuity of care, working closely with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to help us meet the challenge of the COVID-19 together.

“In this time patients might see some differences in how their pharmacies are providing services. And this is just to help protect not only the public but also our pharmacies across the province in light of shortages of things like masks and gloves,” Bulych said.

She explained that physical distancing should be practiced in pharmacies to prevent the passage of the COVID-19 virus. As well they advise you contact pharmacists 24 hours in advance to fill prescriptions. Pharmacies are also offering curbside pickups and home deliveries. If you can’t see your doctor a pharmacist will be able to do so. They are doing this in order to make sure people get their medication and limit exposure or eliminate exposure completely by delivery if they have that ability.

They advise that you call your pharmacy for direction if you are feeling ill and are requiring medications. Your pharmacy will direct you appropriately and this way you are keeping the pharmacy staff and other people as safe as possible.

“I would like to add that the world is shifting very quickly on how healthcare is being delivered. We are seeing policies change and be modified based on what is needed most right now so we are asking the public to be patient and be respectful of our healthcare workers because they are doing the best that they can. And we are just asking them to follow all of the rules that we ask of them so that we can try to maintain the best level of patient care during this time,” she explained.

Council moves options on 2020 Civic Election to administration

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Council moves options on 2020 Civic Election to administration

Discussion continues on the 2020 Civic and In-City School Board Election Options at Prince Albert City Council’s special meeting on Monday, March 23. The options were moved to administration for consideration at an upcoming council meeting.

Ballots for the Civic election will not be rotated to save money. The automated ballot option will cost $19,500 as opposed to the $41,250 that the rotated ballot would cost. Ward 8 Coun. Ted Zurakowski sought clarification on whether the ballots would be rotated or alphabetical.

In the discussion Ward 2 Coun. Terra Lennox-Zipp raised some concerns about a few items in the report. She sought clarification on whether those who pay for bus passes would also be subsidized in the free transit for Election Day. The estimate shows approximately 1,566 routes from the 2016 election at a cost of $861 in lost revenue.

“I believe this is the rides that would be applicable to not including those people with passes,” Corporate Legislative Manager Terri Mercier said.

Lennox-Zepp plans to send an inquiry to administration to clarify what a loss of revenue means in this context.

Another change in the report is regarding the $100 nomination fee. The report suggests that unlike previous elections, candidates would not get the deposit back if they complied with election bylaws. Instead the city would keep the deposit unless the person was victorious.

“I do not like the idea in the report that perhaps the city can keep all of those deposits unless you win. In a democracy maybe you don’t want that and a major financial impact for people to actually run,” she said.

RM of Prince Albert brings aboard Human Resources Consultant

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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RM of Prince Albert brings aboard Human Resources Consultant

The Rural Municipality of Prince Albert is taking a precaution if Human Resources issues come up. At their regular meeting on Thursday, March 19. The RM made the decision to be proactive in case any Human Resources or related issues arise.

There have been tests of Human Resources for organizations recently.

“We want to make sure that we are doing our due diligence when it comes to the administration of anything administrative with our staff so that we are sure we have been fair to our employees and remaining within the boundaries of the labour laws,” Reeve Eric Schmalz said.

The concept originally came because the consultant was brought in by another organization in the building.

“Actually we brought on an HR Consultant with the Water Utility and I also mentioned it to Buckland and they were receptive to bringing it on as part of their operations as well,” he explained.

The RM will sign and retain the services of Saskatoon’s RCH Consulting Ltd. The consultant will serve as a third party advisor and mediator and provide information on the Labour Code and anything involving Human Resources. The cost will be on a use-by-use basis and have an hourly salary and not be a case of a retainer.

RM of Prince Albert continues to work on Fire Management Bylaw

Planning is still under way for a new Fire Management Bylaw in the RM of Prince Albert. The RM restructured their Fire Permit Policy at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 19.

Council decided to deal with the matter now because it is getting close to high burning permit season. They restructured the fine bylaw while they continue to work on the overall Fire Bylaw.

“Before the city was laying the fine and we were collecting it on behalf of the city. Now what has happened is we have changed our fire contract so that we would be the ones collecting those fines and we would have say on who is fined and who isn’t,” Reeve Eric Schmalz said.

“Whereas before the city would just lay the fine and we would just basically enforce it for them,” he explained.

The council is still considering the Fire Management Bylaw as councillors recently received it. They have been in consultation with the city of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Fire Department. It is awaiting third reading and will wait until a final document can be completed with the City.

RM of Prince Albert approves covering costs to attend political events

Reeve of the RM of Prince Albert Eric Schmalz attended the recent Premier’s Dinner in Prince Albert. The interactions with provincial government officials got him thinking and at the regular meeting of the RM Council on Thursday, March 19 the council introduced a motion to cover the cost to have delegations attend similar events.

The concept insures that the RM will cover the cost in any case in the future.

“Essentially there is a cost to attend these events we would probably only send one delegate there and we would go regardless of who the political party was in power. We would send a delegate just so that we would have face time with the ministers and the Premier,” Schmalz said.

He had face-to-face meetings with Premier Scott Moe, MLA Joe Hargrave and other ministers in attendance. The council wants delegates to go to such events to get contact with Government.. All councillors could attend but it will be a council decision on a case-by-case basis.

Sanctions on RM of Prince Albert councillor include apology

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Sanctions on RM of Prince Albert councillor include apology

The matter that led to the expelling of RM of Prince Albert Division 5 Councillor Wayne Acorn from the council’s February 13 meeting was released in the minutes of that meeting at the council’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 19.

Acorn was suspended from all council matters until he apologized at the February meeting.

The RM released a letter following the February meeting that explained that Acorn had been removed from the meeting but did not explain further.

At the beginning of the Thursday’s meeting agenda there was an opportunity for Acorn to address the Reeve and Council. Acorn was not in attendance for the meeting. Acorn said that he was not invited to the meeting and didn’t understand why he was not contacted. Acorn will also not be commenting on the matter further as he is in discussions with his lawyer.

The final motion of the February 13 meeting by councillor Barton Franc read “That being that Councillor Wayne Acorn was found in contravention of the RM of Prince Albert’s Code of Ethics Bylaw No. 15 of 2016, Councillor Wayne Acorn is hereby suspended from representing the RM of Prince Albert No. 461 on any and all Committees, Bodies and Associations until such time that Councillor Acorn attend and complete educational training for ethical and respectful conduct as well as present a verbal and written apology to the Reeve, Council and Administration at a Regular RM of Prince Albert Council meeting. This remedial action is effective immediately.”

According to the minutes Reeve Eric Schmalz made a motion early in the meeting that Acorn be removed from the meeting for making a threatening gesture towards the Reeve. Division Councillor Franc then took the meeting In Camera to deal with an Human Resources matter. After the meeting came back in normal session Councillor Richard Wilson made a motion that “as per the Code of Ethics Bylaw No. 15 of 2016, Councillor Wayne Acorn be removed from the council meeting for making physically threatening actions towards the reeve. This resolution is for the meeting of February 13, 2020 and will require an apology.”

Councillor Micheal Grassick abstained from voting on the motion but it carried.

Administator Roxanne Roy would not comment on the matter.

School Divisions continue to update on COVID-19 planning

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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School Divisions continue to update on COVID-19 planning

With schools closing and class suspended indefinitely both school divisions in Prince Albert continue to communicate amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Both the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division and Prince Albert Catholic Division communicated where they knew they stood to parents in their divisions.

“Please know that our teachers and staff are distressed by the sudden suspension of classes and the loss of daily connection with your children, but they are anxious to support students in their learning over the coming weeks. Many students will have received learning resources from their teacher already, but we have been asked by the Ministry to wait before we do further work on how we support learning while classes are suspended,” Saskatchewan Rivers board chair Barry Hollick said in the letter.

The Saskatchewan Rivers Division has activated its Business Continuity Plan and most of the school division operations will be paused except for essential business services. In a similar letter the Catholic Division also announced that they are under the Business Continuity Plan.

Schools in the division are officially closed from March 20-27. In an emergency contact the Education Centre. The letter explained that there may be some division staff in schools after March 27 with classes remaining suspended indefinitely. The schools in the Catholic Division and the Catholic Education Centre are closed from March 20 to 29 because employees were instructed by the Ministry of Education and Govermment to have a 10-day isolation period. Although there was no announcement, it is believed that the regular meeting of the Catholic School Division on Monday, March 23 is canceled.

Sask Rivers explained that families are not expected to deliver home-based education to ensure students meet outcomes.

“However, we know that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Time spent with your child reading and talking about the book has a wonderful impact on a child; cooking together and measuring ingredients is great for developing number sense in young children. Talking with your child about their interests and concerns will help your child feel settled and comforted during this challenging time.” the letter stated.

Sask Rivers explained that they are working actively with the Ministry of Education to plan for continued learning opportunities for students and will have information in the coming weeks. According to NDP leader Ryan Meili in a conference call from his home on March 20 sometime in April there will be more online delivery of programming.

“And we’re really happy to hear that we know that the teachers are working hard to prepare that. They’ve been doing a ton of work in this last week to get ready for the final day. Report cards have been going out, etc. and now they’re working to make sure they stay connected with their kids in their classes,” he said.

Meili wants to see more technological support. The Meili family is well adjusted for any of this .

“ Abraham, our eight year old will be able to participate in his Grade 3 class. We’re getting the emails from (the teacher). She’s ready to go with the classes starting very soon.(The technology is there) so they can even see their other classmates in their homes. That’s exactly what we need to see,” Meili explained.

Unfortunately everyone is not as fortunate and may not have technology available due to financial situations.

“I would really like to see the government make it clear that t they’re going to work with SaskTel and make that technology available.

“Just as anybody right now, we’re telling everyone, don’t go to the office. If you need help you phone, you email. What do people do who don’t have phones, or computers at home? We need to make sure we’re working with our with our crowns, to have a process through which people can apply and get technology quickly, so that they can continue to participate in the things that we’re now asking them to distance themselves from,” Meili explained.

A provincial committee has been formed to look at ways to provide learning supports for students. That committee is said to be delivering its recommendations soon.

The Sask Rivers letter explained the current direction from the Ministry of Education is that every student will receive a final grade based on their current grade, and students will progress to their next grade level next year. Every student who is eligible to graduate from Grade 12 this year will graduate.

They are also still waiting to learn the details about how marks, high school credits and transition to post-secondary will work.

The Catholic Division also posted a COVID-19 Guide for Parents and Caregivers.

-With files from Peter Lozinski

First day in new world at local RM office

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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First day in new world at local RM office

Things were almost normal at office of the RM of Prince Albert, RM of Buckland, the Prince Albert and District Planning Commission and Prince Albert Rural Water Commission on River Street West on Thursday, March 19. The RM of Prince Albert still held their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 19.

The meeting offered some normalcy in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can’t predict the future (or) where will be on a day-to-day basis,” RM of Prince Albert Reeve Eric Schmalz said.

The rural municipalities of Buckland and Prince Albert announced on Wednesday that the Municipal Centennial Building will be closed to the general public until further notice.

“We are still operating here, the staff will still be in the building or if they are working from home, if they are not feeling well they will be sequestered at their homes and their phones will be forwarded so someone will answer the calls and be able to process bills electronically,” he explained.

Thursday’s meeting had some social distancing with absences of two councillors but with four councillors and the Reeve there was enough to establish quorum.

“The whole gist of the building closing is to keep our staff safe,” RM of Buckland reeve Don Fyrk said. “The office is still being manned, but they can call us to for any questions and if there’s any business that has to be done instead of coming here in person.”

“We can still do things remotely over the phone or via e-transfer if you need to make payments or anything like that,” Schmalz added. “We’re going to leave the building closed indefinitely until the health authority indicates that the risk has been mitigated to the public and we will reopen to the public as soon as that time comes.”

The RM offices are still accepting the following means of payments during this time:

  • Cheque via Canada Post or the mail slot in the back door of the building
  • Online banking if available through a person’s financial institution
  • E-transfers to the RM of Buckland that can be sent to rm491@sasktel.net
  • E-transfers to the RM of Prince Albert that can be sent to rm461@sasktel.net

Staff will remain in the offices during the regular business hours and can still be contacted via phone or email.

The RM of Buckland can be reached at 306-763-2585 or at rm491@sasktel.net.

The RM of Prince Albert can be reached at 306-763-2469, by cell at 306-941-1709 or at rm461@sasktel.net.

The Prince Albert Rural Water Utility and the Prince Albert District Planning Commission are also in the same building and are closed to the public.

— with files from Lucas Punkari

City of Prince Albert facilities to remain open

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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City of Prince Albert facilities to remain open

The City of Prince Albert has enacted its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and continues to meet to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 measures on City services and employees. For now, city facilities will remain open.

The majority of third party events have been cancelled including sports groups and tournaments and cleaning of high touch surfaces continues.

“Our EOC has been meeting since last Thursday,” Prince Albert Fire Chief Kris Olson. “We got together and being a health issue we have been following Sask. Health and their recommendations. So their recommendations initially on the outset were gatherings of 250 or greater would be restricted. We followed that lead and some of the organizers of some of the planned events had pulled out based on that information right away.”

He explained that he was getting calls about cancellations of events as late as Sunday.

The EOC is operational and meeting to monitor the situation.

“We are meeting daily so as information is rolled out of Sask Health we are meeting as a committee and as it’s an ever changing or evolving situation so stay tuned,” he said.

“Attendance at facilities is very low and we are able to achieve parameters of social distancing,” Olsen said in the city’s release.

“Given announcements from other municipalities, we will be evaluating the impact of closures on our staff and the public and expect to have more information soon.”

The City of Prince Albert is following the lead of Saskatchewan Health in terms of recommendations on public gatherings and direction to staff.

At present there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Prince Albert and there is no evidence of community transmission. Olson explained that there is some confusion because all municipalities are taking different approaches.

“Right from the onset we said we are going to follow the recommendations of Sask Health so that’s what we are doing,” Olson said.

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne addressed the issue during the regular council meeting on Monday, March 16.

“I want to ensure all residents that we are taking the safety of our public very seriously, and we will evaluate the COVID-19 measures on a daily basis, and we’ll keep you updated,” Dionne said.

The public was allowed at the meeting but that may change in the future, Dionne said.

The situation continues to change quickly. The EOC will be meeting daily to review new developments and new information will be made available regularly.

The federal government has released new restrictions on international travel. Residents should review travel advisories in effect.

Local RM office closed for one day over possible COVID-19 exposure

Michael Oleksyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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As a precautionary measure the RM of Prince Albert, RM of Buckland, the Prince Albert and District Planning Commission and Prince Albert Rural Water Utility temporarily closed their administrative offices on River Street East in Prince Albert.

Acccording to RM of Buckland reeve Don Fyrk the closure was only for one day.

“We are back to work tomorrow. One of the councillors had a very bad chest cold so we were waiting for the tests to come back and they came back negative so the office will be open again tomorrow,” Fyrk said.

“It is all good it is just a regular seasonal cold,” he explained.

The councillor had recently returned from Costa Rica, a COVID-19 hotspot, and returned via Toronto.

The short-term closure was in response to receiving the information late in the day on Sunday, March 15 that an individual who recently traveled abroad is currently undergoing testing for COVID-19 and has been in contact with several employees and members of Council for both RMs.

The organizations said in their statement that they take the health and wellbeing of the public and their employees seriously.

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