Dryden council set to address controversial Facebook posts

The City of Dryden will bring forward two motions at their meeting on Monday to begin addressing controversial comments made by a fellow councillor on Facebook.

Councillor Ritch Noel is under fire after some social media posts following a death on the Eagle Lake First Nation.

When contacted by our newsroom, Noel has since offered condolences to the community but did not comment further.

Our newsroom has made the editorial decision to avoid republishing or rebroadcasting the comments in question.

Dryden Mayor Jack Harrison stated Noel’s post does not reflect the views of council or the municipality.

Council will begin the process of removing him from a committee to enhance relationships with the Indigenous community and request to engage the integrity commissioner to look into his conduct.

Eagle Lake First Nation responds to controversy

The chief and council are commending the City of Dryden for offering condolences and for their quick response to Noel’s social media comments. Chief Bernadette Wabange says fostering understanding and empathy within our society is critical to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to mental health. Wabange is asking the public show respect and sensitivity as the family navigates through the grieving process. She adds they will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being to those affected and continue to collaborate in productive dialogue to remove stigma and challenges related to mental health.