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Mercury Poisoning

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Local Support For Mercury Treatment Centre

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Kenora MP Eric Melillo says he’s elated to see Grassy Narrows First Nation reach an agreement with the Canadian government to fund a $19.5-million Mercury Treatment Centre.

The Conservative member says the deal is a long time coming and he’s relieved that those suffering the devastating effects of poisoning will soon be able to access support close to home.

Melillo has been vocal in his support for the facility, noting the day after he was elected MP, his first meeting was with Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle.

Melillo states he’s had a number of productive conversations with Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller and his staff, as well as with Chief Turtle, and he’s thanking them for collaborating and working tirelessly to secure the investment.

He adds used his first speaking opportunity in the House of Commons to call on the government to make good on their promise to the community.

Melillo adds he’s continues to be in close contact with the Ministry of Indigenous Services, advocating for this project to be prioritized.

Meantime, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford stresses he’s pleased to hear about the federal agreement.

The Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs Minister says Ontario will continue to work with the feds and the community to provide technical advice on service planning for the proposed health facility.

Rickford says “Our government takes the challenges faced by the people of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong very seriously. That’s why one of our first acts as a new government was to index mercury disability benefit payments to people who hadn’t seen increases for inflation in as many as 30 years. As a result, people saw their monthly payment amounts more than double beginning November 2018, in addition to retroactive payments.”

He adds “We want to achieve real progress in developing solutions that lead to improved outcomes and create prosperous, healthy and strong communities for the people who live there.”

No timeline has been released on the construction of the Treatment Centre.

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Deal Inked For Mercury Treatment Centre

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A Mercury Treatment Centre is officially in the works for Grassy Narrows First Nation.

Chief Rudy Turtle posted on Facebook Thursday that he has put pen to paper on the agreement with the Canadian Government for the 24-bed facility.

The new centre will be worth $19.5-million.

A 2016 report found that more than 90% of residents in Grassy Narrows and Whitedog First Nations had symptoms of mercury poisoning, from some roughly 10 tonnes of mercury that was dumped from the old Dryden Chemical Company mill into the English and Wabigoon river system about 50 years ago.

https://www.facebook.com/turtle.rudy/posts/645744956218797

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Kenora MP Comments On Mercury Ruling

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A Supreme Court ruling on mercury in the English/Wabigoon River system is drawing swift response.

Newly installed Kenora MP Eric Melillo says the ruling provides clarity and will have implications how the site is managed going forward.

In a narrow ruling 4-3, the Supreme Court ruled that both Weyerhaeuser and Resolute Forest Products are responsible for maintaining a mercury waste disposal site.

The mercury has affected residents of the Grassy Narrows First Nations for years.

Melillo wants the ensure the federal government does the right thing and honour its commitments to the people living on Grassy.

 

 

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Another Plea For Mercury Care Home In Grassy

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The federal government is once again being asked to honour a promise to build a mercury care home for Grassy Narrows First Nation.

Officials stress their community continues to suffer from the effects caused by industrial dumping of mercury in its waterways during the 1960’s.

At the Assembly of First Nations Conference in Ottawa, Indigenous leaders took to the podium to demand immediate action.

Ronald (RJ) Bruce is a young member of the community and he stressed it’s upsetting to watch and witness the older generations go through this.

“Something you don’t want to see anyone go through. Just the struggles that they go through. It does upset me because their health and the fact they have the possibility of a shorter life span.”

Bruce stresses he will continue to fight and speak for the struggles that they are going through.

“For generations our community has struggled with mercury poisoning and I’m here to say that there has been an opportunity to build a mercury home. Why is it taking so long? Why do we have to wait for something that could be so simple and that could help our people.”

Bruce says”It kind of makes my voice shake. It’s upsetting. We have been fighting for this for generations and people continue to get sicker. Why the hold up? Why aren’t they doing this?”

He notes the lack of action is impacting their daily way of life.

Grassy Narrows says former Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott promised them a mercury care home back in 2017.

 

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NDP Leader Demands Mercury Treatment Centre

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Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the new Liberal government must quickly deliver on a mercury treatment centre that was promised to Grassy Narrows nearly two years ago.

Singh stresses the First Nation deserves the kind of care and treatment we would all want for our families.

He notes toxic chemicals that were dumped 50 years ago into the English River system in a corporate crime left generations of families suffering from mercury poisoning.

Singh says while the Prime Minister has said all of the right things about reconciliation, he has failed to sign an agreement to help the community care for those suffering the effects of the poison.

He states “We must do better.”