June 16, 2012

Jon Thompson at Kenora Daily Miner News

https://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3585876

 

As last week’s Toronto-based actions known as River Run wound down for members of Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation (Grassy Narrows), Kenora-Rainy River MPP, Sarah Campbell weighed in on mercury contamination in the Wabigoon River System, calling government inaction “shameful,” and implying the province’s approach has been racist.

She condemned the necessity Grassy Narrows saw in attracting Japanese scientists led by Dr. Masazumi Harada, who passed away from Leukemia on Monday evening.

“I find it extremely troubling that these communities have had to look across the Pacific to scientists in another country for someone to take this issue seriously and while I would like to thank Dr. Harada for his work, I am left wondering if such a lax approach would have taken place on the part of both levels of government if the affected had been someone other than members of northern First Nations,” Campbell said.

Only the government is disputing the water system’s contamination, Campbell charged as she expressed concern that governments of all stripes have ignored the need for cleaning it up over the past two decades.

“The lack of action on this case leads me to believe that both the provincial and federal governments will need to reassess and increase the compensation paid to the community to ensure that those living with the terrible affects of mercury poisoning will eventually be able to access fair and full compensation for their suffering.”

Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Kathleen Wynne, has suggested a panel be established with representatives of Grassy Narrows, Wabaseemoong First Nation (White Dog) and the Ministries of Natural Resources, Aboriginal Affairs, and Environment. Campbell exhibited cautious support for Wynne’s suggested course.

“As much as I am worried that convening a panel may cause significant delays, it appears it may be the only way to get the province and the federal government to act, so my biggest hope is that it respects the wishes of people living in both communities.”