NDP Statement Re: Latest Findings of Mercury Contamination Near Grassy Narrows
QUEEN’S PARK, ON —On Monday, NDP Environment critic Peter Tabuns issued the following statement on the latest findings of mercury contamination on the shores of the Wabigoon River:
“Today’s findings confirm what too many First Nation families already know – the threat of mercury poisoning is very real for families living along the Wabigoon River. For decades, Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) First Nations pleaded with the government to listen and do something about the dangerous levels of mercury in their water and in their fish but their concerns were dismissed and their claims denied.
Kathleen Wynne continues to let Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations down. In 2016, her government shelved a report showing that they were still at risk from mercury poisoning and delayed efforts to build a treatment facility where it was needed. We could have dealt with this sooner, addressed the environmental risks and provided mercury poisoning victims with the care that they deserve but every step of the way, this Liberal government forced the people of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoongs First Nations to suffer in silence. It’s time to stop failing First Nation families, immediately assess all possible contaminated areas and take action to finally clean-up their home.”
