Chief David Monias of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation has issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling for the deployment of the Canadian military to assist his community, which is approaching a fourth day without electricity. The severe power outage has left residents in a dire situation during a period of extreme winter weather.
A Community in Crisis
The call for help was made public on Wednesday, January 1, 2026. Chief Monias emphasized the urgent and dangerous conditions faced by his people, stating that families are freezing in their homes. The prolonged loss of power, combined with harsh winter conditions, has created a humanitarian emergency that local resources are struggling to address.
While a power line has been restored, Chief Monias cautioned that the community is not out of the woods yet. The fragility of the repair and the ongoing need for support, including warmth and safety for vulnerable members, underpin his request for federal military assistance. The Chief and Prime Minister Carney are not strangers; they were photographed together at a federal election campaign rally in Winnipeg on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The Call for Federal Intervention
Chief Monias's request highlights a critical gap in emergency response for remote and Indigenous communities. The appeal to deploy the military signifies a level of crisis where standard provincial and utility company responses are deemed insufficient to protect health and safety. The situation in Pimicikamak underscores the broader vulnerabilities of infrastructure in northern and First Nations communities, especially during extreme weather events.
The timing of this crisis is particularly poignant, as it unfolded over the New Year's holiday, a time when most Canadians were celebrating. Meanwhile, residents of Pimicikamak were contending with life-threatening cold without a reliable heat source. This stark contrast has brought renewed attention to issues of equity and emergency preparedness.
Broader Context and Response
This incident occurs amidst a wave of severe weather across Canada, with advisories for blizzards, snowfall, and extreme cold issued for twelve provinces and territories. The crisis in Manitoba is a localized example of a national pattern of winter storms testing the resilience of communities and infrastructure.
The federal government, under Prime Minister Carney, has yet to issue a public response to the specific request for military deployment. However, the call places significant pressure on Ottawa to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of First Nations communities and to fulfilling its duty of care during national emergencies. The outcome of this request will be closely watched as an indicator of the government's approach to Indigenous relations and disaster management.
The resilience of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation is being severely tested. As crews work to stabilize the power supply, the community's leadership has made it clear that immediate, robust action is required to prevent further suffering and to ensure a safe and stable start to the new year for all its members.
