First Nation leaders express need for improved highway safety

The Chiefs of Ontario is the latest organization to voice concern about the number of fatal collisions this year on northern Ontario highways.

It says both the federal and provincial governments need to take action.

Regional Chief Abram Benedict says Northern First Nations have been uniquely impacted by many of this year’s fatalities.

“These tragedies are devastating for our families and our Nations,” states Benedict in a release.

“Our people rely on northern highways as lifelines for health care, education, work and supplies. When those roads are unsafe, it is our communities who pay the price.”

The Chiefs of Ontario references a recent collision on Highway 11, west of Hearst, where three Indigenous people were killed.

Benedict says the collision is part of a worrying trend.

The Chiefs support provincial NDP demands for stronger oversight and enforcement of commercial transports and improved highway infrastructure and winter maintenance.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the government needs to get serious about improving safety.

“Their blatant disregard for the dangerous conditions that people are experiencing cannot continue, or more lives will be lost,” states Fiddler.”