Protesters march on Premier’s house over mercury levels in First Nation’s water

TORONTO – Protesters descended on Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Toronto home on Sunday to draw attention to mercury levels at a northern Ontario First Nation.

Over 100 brightly dressed demonstrators, most of whom were carrying musical instruments and playing lively tunes.

But Wynne’s neighbours were the only ones who hear the demonstrators because the premier’s aides say she was out of town for the weekend.

Water around Grassy Narrows First Nation has been contaminated with mercury since a local paper mill poured an estimated 10 tonnes of neurotoxins into the system between 1962 and 1970.

Wynne has said she would work to address the issue, but protesters claimed no progress has been made.

And they say the problem has been aggravated by logging in the region that compounds the problem.

“We wanted everyone to come out, we wanted the neighbours to come talk to us so maybe they will talk to Kathleen Wynne and remind her about the promises she made,” said Katelyn Blascik, one of the demonstrators.

Ontario’s Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer sent out a statement regarding the government’s work in Grassy Narrows.

“Ontario and Grassy Narrows First Nation are working together to address the community’s concerns,” said Zimmer, who pointed to working group tables that have been put together.

“Both the community and the province have been very pleased on the progress of the tables. We have a positive and respectful dialogue with the community and we’ll maintain this going forward.”