OTTAWA – Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan is facing calls from the federal NDP to visit the northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat First Nation.
Earlier this month, the community declared a state of emergency over concerns about chemical levels in tap water.
NDP MP Charlie Angus, who represents the federal riding encompassing the reserve, is meeting with the community today and says O’Regan needs to see the impacts of the issue first-hand, including that community members are worried about being able to safety bathe their children.
Get weekly health news
Attawapiskat has drawn national attention for its 2012 housing crisis and it has also faced issues with youth suicide.
Former chief Theresa Spence, who launched a high-profile protest over the housing situation, has also started a hunger strike over water concerns.
O’Regan’s office says that addressing the water issue in full partnership with the First Nation is a top priority, adding it knows recent test results have raised concerns.
- B.C. forestry company moving head offices to the U.S. amid struggles, tariffs
- Premier Moe faces criticism over taxpayer-funded Lindsey Graham funeral trip
- Deal to fund water, wastewater infrastructure for housing signed by Alberta and Ottawa
- Ford escalates fight over Toronto Island airport, threatens support for rail project
WATCH: Teen from Attawapiskat First Nation throws first pitch at Toronto Blue Jays game
Comments
Comments closed.
Due to the sensitive and/or legal subject matter of some of the content on globalnews.ca, we reserve the ability to disable comments from time to time.
Please see our Commenting Policy for more.