New protocol could help northern Manitoba First Nations enforce COVID-19 bylaws — if they choose – CBC

First Nations can sign contract with RCMP, federal prosecution service to enforce health rules on reserve: MKO

May 25, 2021

First Nations in northern Manitoba could have stricter enforcement of COVID-19 bylaws in their respective communities if they sign up for a new protocol announced by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak on Tuesday.

Some chiefs had called Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) — which represents 26 First Nations in northern Manitoba — saying they had trouble enforcing COVID-19 bylaws in their community, said Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

But MKO, Manitoba RCMP and Public Prosecution Service of Canada — a federal body that mainly prosecutes federal offences — have created a protocol for Mounties to charge people caught breaking public health rules on reserves, and for the prosecution service to prosecute the accused.

“This package of laws, properly enacted and fully enforced, can be used to provide some significant tools to the First Nations during the pandemic,” said Michael Anderson, MKO policing and public safety advisor, during a news conference Tuesday.

New protocol could help northern Manitoba First Nations enforce COVID-19 bylaws — if they choose – CBC

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