The MP for Kenora is calling on the Trudeau government to fulfill a commitment to establish a mercury treatment centre in Grassy Narrows First Nation.
In his maiden speech in the House of Commons, Eric Melillo pointed out that the government promised to act in 2017.
Melillo notes it’s nearly 2020 and “we still have seen no action.”
The Conservative member challenged the Minister of Indigenous Services to announce when the government plans to finally deliver on their promise.
Marc Miller responded “I am glad to have had the opportunity to have met with Chief Turtle last week. We had a good, productive conversation. In the meeting I reiterated my commitment and that of the Prime Minister’s to building a mercury treatment facility and that funding is not an obstacle.”
Miller says they share a will to move forward and adds he will have an update “in short order”.
According to a 1986 settlement agreement, the mercury pollution is the result of discharge from the Reed Paper company’s operation in Dryden into the Wabigoon-English River system.
