The Minister of Labrador Affairs heard a number of serious concerns while hosting a town hall in Sheshatshiu where a man was charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of a woman last week.

Lela Evans, area MHA Keith Russell, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Chief Eugene Hart and RCMP officers met with residents to hear their concerns.

Evans says a “lack of trust” is among the biggest concerns in Sheshatshiu, with leaders noting a gap in government support.

Residents called for better government help with addictions, youth trauma and rehabilitation during the meeting.

Evans says among the greatest issues was policing. Residents reported lengthy delays in response times, and in some cases, police fail to show up at all.

She also cited concerns with the police presence in the community.

“It was very telling when the chief of Sheshatshiu looked at the RCMP (corporal) who was responsible for his town and said that he is not familiar with them, it’s not somebody he would recognize.”

Evans plans to find more support for the community and meet with the federal government to see how they can help.