Chiefs of Ontario Urges Immediate Action on Highway Safety After String of Fatal Collisions

The Chiefs of Ontario is calling on the federal and provincial governments to take steps to improve safety along critical northern highways following a several recent deadly collisions.

On January 31, 2026, a collision on Highway 11 west of Hearst tragically claimed the lives of Darrel (Jackboy) Taylor, his sister, Reanne Wesley, and Wesley’s partner, Aaron Paypompee. Taylor and Wesley were members of Constance Lake First Nation, and Paypompee was a member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay).

“These tragedies are devastating for our families and our Nations,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “Our people rely on northern highways as lifelines for health care, education, work and supplies. When those roads are unsafe, it is our communities who pay the price.”

This collision is part of a worrying trend; there have been five serious transport-related incidents in the region within a five-day period. Northern First Nations are uniquely impacted by these highway conditions, as many communities rely on a limited number of major transportation routes and seasonal winter roads to access essential services and urban centres.

“The government needs to take serious action on improving the safety of highways in Northern Ontario,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “Their blatant disregard for the dangerous conditions that people are experiencing cannot continue, or more lives will be lost.”

The Chiefs of Ontario are urging federal and provincial governments to take immediate action to strengthen the oversight and enforcement of commercial transport vehicles, improve highway infrastructure and winter maintenance, and work directly with First Nation Leadership to develop solutions that reflect the realities of northern travel.