Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation approved the Public Health Bylaw, giving the Chief and council the 
power to issue orders to limit the spread of communicable diseases. Penalties can also be imposed against anyone who violates the bylaw.
Council can issue a blanket order or a directive to any person, business or organization deemed to be creating a health risk. Possible measures could include Mandatory curfew within defined hours; An order or directive to endorse provisions in the Nova Scotia Health Protection Act, Federal Quarantines Act or Emergency Measures Act; Checkpoints at entrances and exits to reserve land to restrict traffic from visitors, non-Band members or non-residents; A full lockdown of the community; and Administrative action against a person or business deemed to be in contravention of the bylaw.
Anyone who fails to comply with an order or directive could face penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The bylaw was written in consultation with the local detachment of the RCMP.
Community members can read the full text of the bylaw on the Paqtnkek website at paqtnkek.ca/covid-19. A copy is going out to each household, posted throughout the community and shared via social media.