Mercury treatment agreement falls through – Dryden Now

31 May 2019

The first step towards developing a mercury treatment centre for Grassy Narrows First Nation and Wabaseemong Independent members will have to be taken another day.

On May 29, federal Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Reagan and Kenora MP Bob Nault travelled to Grassy Narrows, with the expectation of signing a memorandum of agreement to outline the path forward to deal with the long-term health needs of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemong, which have been impacted by mercury exposure.

Despite a 4.5 hour-long meeting between the federal representatives and community leaders, the signing of the document did not take place. The community is expecting a revised proposal as soon as possible.

“This is what happens sometimes in negotiations. We landed, and we quickly realized that we didn’t have a deal. We will keep working at it. I think we’re really close,” said O’Reagan. “We have to really work hard at this. It’s really important.”

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