PRINCE RUPERT – North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice is welcoming today’s announcement by the Province of new measures to help meet the health care needs of people living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic presents special challenges for small, remote, and Indigenous communities, and this vulnerability has been stressful for many in the North and Central Coasts,” said MLA Rice. “This announcement today by the Province is an assurance to everyone living in more remote places that they are not alone. The unique needs of small, remote, and Indigenous communities are a central part of BC’s public health approach to COVID-19. I’m very glad that these new provisions will help make sure that people in the North and Central Coast can stay safe through these difficult times.”

The measures announced this afternoon include improved medical transportation options to larger centres, more supports for people to self-isolate in their communities, new and faster COVID-19 testing technology, more access to virtual appointments, and increased mental health supports. These measures are part of a collaborative framework developed through a partnership between the First Nations Health authority, Northern Health authority, and the Provincial Health Services authority. The work is guided by the principles of cultural safety and humility, and adds to work being done by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.

Learn More:

More information about the framework can be found at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/22049