KENORA, Ont. – A northwestern Ontario MP says a state of emergency has been declared in Eabametoong First Nation following a fire near the community’s water purification plant’s reservoir.
Bob Nault, who represents the Kenora area, says the water supply in the First Nation of about 1,000 has been contaminated due to Tuesday’s fire.
Nault says a boil water advisory is in effect and the community has received 4,000 litres of water from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).
READ MORE: Human Rights Watch calls out Canada over First Nations water crisis
The water is being rationed and distributed from the school gymnasium.
He says Chief Elizabeth Atlookan has assured him that regional INAC officials are working closely with the community 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ont., to resolve the issue.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation police and the Fire Marshal’s Office are involved in investigating the cause of the fire.
- 2021 heat dome fuelled by climate change, intensified wildfire risk: study
- B.C. introduces legislation recognizing Haida Gwaii Indigenous title
- Whale experts confident B.C. orca calf will survive, find family if rescue plan succeeds
- Chemical plant shuts down after high benzene levels detected near Ontario First Nation
Comments