A statement issued today by Barrister/Solicitor Naomi Sayers on behalf of Boissoneau Bus Lines says the company has cancelled school bus service for Garden River First Nation students due to current COVID-19 concerns.
"This difficult decision has not come without serious consideration and concern for the children of the Garden River First Nation," the statement reads. "The Band has a special duty to the children and this duty trumps any other contractual obligation between the Company and the Band.
"Our first priority is and always will be the children.
"As the COVID-19 situation continues, the Company has neither received direction nor support from the Band and the Band’s actions, through no fault of our own, frustrate our own duties under our agreement with the Band. Until we receive direction and approval from the Band regarding operations and COVID-19, we cannot operate safely."
Boissoneau Bus Lines says it has been busing students from Garden River to schools located in Sault Ste. Marie for more than 30 years. The current school year starts Tuesday.
SooToday has reached out to Garden River First Nation for comment.
