The Government of Saskatchewan is announcing further measures and supports to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Saskatchewan.
The announcement includes further travel restrictions for the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District (NSAD). Also included was immediate funding of $370,000 targeted to combating COVID-19 in the province’s Far North region, and the addition of seasonal businesses to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment, including northern outfitters.
“Our government recognizes the unique challenges that northern communities are facing in fighting the spread of COVID-19,” Premier Scott Moe said. “We are providing direct supports to northern communities and businesses to ensure the necessary resources are available, while imposing further restrictions to ensure the necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread and flatten the curve in the north.”
The NSAD is a large geographic area covering almost half of the province but containing less than 4.0 per cent of the provincial population. Given the uniqueness of the north, case-by-case exemptions to the Order were evaluated upon the request of a community. To date, the municipalities of La Ronge and Stony Rapids have been granted exemptions. This means that travel to and from La Ronge and Stony Rapids from outside the NSAD is allowed, but individuals are not permitted to stop in any other community.
Of the investment, $350,000 will be provided through the Ministry of Government Relations directly to New North, the province’s northern communities association. Funding will help establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints as part of a recent public health order to address COVID-19 in the province’s far north.
The Northern Village of La Loche will receive $20,000 directly. These funds will be used to support local public safety, food security and educational initiatives organized by the community to encourage physical distancing and self-isolation of residents.
Announced on April 9, the SSBEP is a $50 million program providing financial support as a one-time grant to small and medium-sized businesses that have had to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are paid based on 15 per cent of a business’ monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.
This is in addition to measures taken by the Ministry of Environment to waive lease fees for outfitters for the 2020 season and providing flexible licensing arrangements for those suspending outfitting activities.
A modified application will be available in the coming days and can be accessed by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.