https://www.drydennow.com/local/melillo-focused-on-results-for-grassy

Kenora MP Eric Melillo was following developments at the Supreme Court yesterday, involving the former mercury dump site in Dryden, and he offered his comments.

“We definitely recognize that the important decision was made today by the Supreme Court, but we want to remain focused on the responsibility that the federal government does have, and we want to ensure the needs of the people of Grassy Narrows aren’t going to be forgotten and that’s why we’re continuing to advocate for support from this government,” he said yesterday afternoon.

“I’ve just continued my meetings, my conversation with Chief (Rudy) Turtle, as well as the new minister of Indigenous Services to make sure that this issue is top of mind for everyone involved. I’m just looking forward to working together to deliver that result as soon as possible,” Melillo added.

Melillo was sworn in as a new member of the Opposition in Ottawa. The new Liberal minority government offered their Speech from the Throne last week, which outlined their priorities for the next session. 

Yesterday’s ruling was focused on the ongoing responsibilities of forestry companies Resolute and Weyerhaeuser, related to the former mercury dump site in Dryden. The mill site was the source of mercury contamination for communities downstream, including the members of Grassy Narrows, who are fighting for a treatment clinic in their community.

Following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling, the province emphasized they weren’t aware of any mercury migrating off-site from the former dump site in Dryden. A spokesman for the Ministry of Environment , Conservation and Parks, Gary Wheeler, added there are numerous groundwater monitoring wells in and around the mercury waste disposal site that are monitored twice annually.