Federal government not abdicating role in Grassy Narrows cleanup, says Murray
OTTAWA — Ontario Environment Minister Glen Murray says there’s no reason to think Ottawa is not committed to addressing the long-standing issue of mercury contamination and cleanup at Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Murray says he believes the federal government has expressed a sincere interest to be a partner in “more than just words,” noting the province has work to do before Ottawa’s role can be more formally defined.
Last week, indigenous leaders expressed concern after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested mercury contamination was “very much” an Ontario issue, with Ottawa playing only a supporting role.
Grassy Narrows Chief Simon Fobister says Trudeau must firmly commit to do everything in his power to clean up the mercury and ensure mercury survivors receive proper support and state of the art care.