Feds vow to fix Grassy Narrows ‘once and for all’ – Toronto Star
Ottawa will address mercury contamination issues in northern Ontario community with province and First Nations leaders
“We are all aware of the issue, and are doing our part to help remedy it.” Experts from Environment and Climate Change Canada are providing advice to Ontario for how contaminated river sediment can be cleaned up, Ahmad said. A recent Star story revealed how walleye from the river, a staple for the northern community, are the most mercury-contaminated in the province.
Fobister, frustrated with inaction, had reacted to the Star’s recent testing story and written to both Ontario Environment Minister Glen Murray and Domtar, which now owns the land. He wanted permission to enter the site, upstream from his community, to conduct tests to determine if there is a source of ongoing mercury pollution.
“This site and surrounding areas need to be tested immediately so that we can . . . assess the extent of the contamination,” Fobister wrote. “It is critical that our First Nation lead those studies so that we may trust in the results.” Meanwhile, Angus (Timmins-James Bay) asked Trudeau to meet with Grassy Narrows leaders and commit to cleaning up the mercury.
