Question Period Note: Grassy Narrows - Mercury Contamination

Our Government recognizes that the community of Grassy Narrows has been dramatically affected by mercury discovered in the English-Wabigoon river system and suffers health issues to this day.
We share the community’s goal of finding a solution that meets their needs.
We have already agreed on the expansion of the existing health facility and construction will begin in Spring 2020.
We are continuing to discuss the new mercury treatment centre and are committed to reaching an agreement with the community.

High levels of mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon River system, discovered in 1970, caused very high levels of mercury exposure among people residing in the First Nations communities of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong. Levels of exposure in the late 1960s and 1970s were sufficient to cause mercury poisoning among several highly exposed community members. The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch completed extensive annual monitoring for mercury in Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations, as well as other nearby communities, between 1971 and 2000.
Indigenous Services Canada’s Environmental Health Officer conducts regular health visits in Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong, including ongoing surveillance of the community's drinking water system. Kenora Chief's Advisory annually monitors the communities’ drinking water systems for chemical parameters under a devolution agreement. Mercury has never been detected in any of the Grassy Narrows drinking water samples.
In response to the community’s request for immediate suicide prevention crisis support, the Department is providing $618,226 under Jordan’s Principle to Kitapinoonjiiminaanik Family Services, to address the immediate mental health needs of children and youth in Grassy Narrows. The Department also provided a permanent increase in Medical Transportation to ensure community members can access treatment where provided.
$9 million was identified in Budget 2017 for the construction of a mercury treatment centre and funding was provided to Grassy Narrows First Nation to undertake a feasibility study. The final report outlined that a long-term care facility and specialized medical services were required to improve health outcomes in the community. Additional funding will be secured to support additional construction costs plus ongoing health services and community programming.
ISC is prepared to launch a trilateral working group (with province of Ontario, Grassy Narrows First Nation and ISC) to specifically design a way forward on services offered within the community and treatment facility.

If pressed

Building a mercury treatment centre in the community is an absolute priority for this government and that is why the previous Minister visited Grassy Narrows in May 2019.
Since then, progress has been made and discussions with the Chief and Council have continued.
This is a relationship that is based in the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
We can and will find consensus on a facility that meets the community’s health needs, now and in the long-term.

If pressed on funding

We share the community’s goal of finding a solution that meets their needs.
We want to assure you that we will support the construction of the mercury treatment centre.
We have funds set aside for the health facility in the community, and anticipate flowing these funds soon.
We remain in discussion with Grassy Narrows and provincial partners to advance the project.

Mercury-related Data

We are committed to ensuring that the residents of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong have access to their community mercury-related data.
Personal medical information that includes mercury data has been, and will continue to be, provided to individuals.
We continue to offer free analysis of hair and blood samples to all residents of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong, at their request.
We will continue to work with community leadership and health services to answer questions and provide support to individuals in the community.