Funding for more supports in La Loche announced on grim anniversary
- EFN Staff | January 23, 2019
Federal and provincial leaders announced funding for the La Loche community. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Scott Moe along with other MP’s announced at the newly reopened La Loche high school on January 23 that there will be funding to support cultural and language-based programs, on-the-land activities, and mental health services for students.
The funding follows through on recommendations from the community, and supports the Holistic Healing Plan that Dene High School developed after the tragic shootings of 2016. It also builds on work that the Government of Canada is already doing in La Loche, including funding mental health services, and supporting high-risk youth and their families.
“That dark day in 2016 will never be forgotten, but it isn’t what defines La Loche. People here have shown strength, resilience, and determination to move forward,” said Premier Trudeau in a media release. “This funding is about supporting the community on its journey of healing, empowering young people, and building a better future for everyone who calls La Loche home.”
The funding announcement was followed by the La Loche Dene High School grand reopening and memorial ceremony held on January 18th.
The funding follows through on recommendations from the community, and supports the Holistic Healing Plan that Dene High School developed after the tragic shootings of 2016. It also builds on work that the Government of Canada is already doing in La Loche which includes funding mental health services, and supporting high-risk youth and their families.
Premier Moe also announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will partner with La Loche-based Methy Construction and Maintenance on a $3 million project to develop new staff housing in the community. These 12 units will be available to health and educational professionals to live and work in La Loche.
“Our government recognizes the need for more teachers and health staff in La Loche and these additional housing units will enable more professionals in those fields to help people in the community,” Moe said.
“This investment supports the construction of 12 new housing units to ensure La Loche can recruit and keep important staff in their community for years to come.”
Methy Construction will be developing the housing unit which is estimated to be a $3 million-dollar project to house staff as a key priority to support the delivery of essential programs and services.
“The village appreciates the provincial commitment toward the 12 unit staff housing project in the community’s effort in recruiting and retaining health professionals and teaching staff,” La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre said. “The construction of 12 units will ensure employment of our local labour force and demonstrates the province’s continued support and partnerships in addressing our housing needs.”