B.C. First Nations leader appeals to vaccine-hesitant to face 'indisputable truth'
As First Nations health officials track a growing spike in COVID-19 cases, the head of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is making what he calls an “urgent and critical” call for unvaccinated British Columbians, Indigenous or not, to get their jabs immediately.
“Today. Not Tomorrow. Today. Now.” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said.
“It’s now beginning to jeopardize the lives of our young people and children,” Phillip added.
In fact, data from the First Nations Health Authority shows the biggest jump in COVID-19 cases appears to be among those under 12, who aren’t eligible for vaccines.
From Jan. 15 to July 31, that age group represented just 8.4 per cent of cases. From Aug. 1 until Oct. 2, that proportion has jumped to 12.8 per cent.
All age groups under 40 have also seen increase, though not as dramatic.
“My wife and I have been blessed with 15 grandchildren,” Phillip said. “They are at great risk.”
The chief medical officer of the First Nations Health Authority is also hoping boosters will soon be made available across communities.
Earlier this week, Dr. Shannon McDonald pointed to a significant increase in cases over the last six weeks, including a number of breakthrough cases, up to 25 or 30 per cent.
“Do not turn your back on our vulnerable people and seniors,” Phillip said, pointing out that it’s time even those who are vaccine-hesitant face up to what he called the “indisputable truth.”
“Vaccinations work. Vaccinations save lives,” Phillip said.
When asked about the vaccination rates for First Nations, which remain below those for B.C.’s overall population, Phillip called it “embarrassing,” and said communities are doing all they can to raise those numbers.
“I find that to be appalling,” Phillip said. “I think too many of our people are being willfully mislead by… the garbage information on the internet,” he added.
The province has said it expects details on boosters for First Nations to be made available sometime in the coming two to three weeks.
According to the First Nations Health Authority, as of Oct. 2, there have been a total of 10,952 First Nations cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
162 people have died.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
BREAKING Canadian Blood Services apologizes to LGBTQ2S+ community for discriminatory blood donation policy
Canadian Blood Services issued an apology on Friday to the LGBTQ2S+ community for what it now admits was a harmful and discriminatory blood donation policy that prevented sexually active men who have sex with men and some trans people from donating blood and plasma.
BREAKING 'Just wait': Toronto mayor hints that WNBA team is coming to the city amid multiple reports
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says that she is hopeful an announcement could be made soon amid multiple reports that a WNBA team is coming to Toronto in 2026.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Ontario coroner to investigate death of man who suffered cardiac arrest while waiting in ER
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.