Question Period Note: Grassy Narrows First Nation

Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) – Mercury Care Home
• The Government is committed to supporting wellness of the residents of Asubpeeschoseewagong and Wabaseemoong.
• Through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, our Government proposed $200.1 million to support the construction and operations of mercury care facilities in both Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek and Wabaseemoong, and also includes funding for a new water treatment facility in Asubpeeschoseewagong.
• These facilities will address the unique health care needs of residents, and provide supportive living for those who require it while staying closer to home, community, and family.

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If pressed on the Health Centre Expansion and Renovation Project
• ISC supports infrastructure to deliver quality health care programs and services and commits to health and wellness in First Nation communities.
• In 2020-21, $590,000 was committed for planning and project management for the existing Health Centre Renovation and Expansion project.
• The project is on schedule with the design stage anticipated to be completed by Fall 2021-22, and the construction stage to start in Winter 2021-22.

If pressed on funding for the Mercury Care Home
• On April 2, 2020, Canada and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) signed the Mercury Care Home Framework Agreement.
• The Framework Agreement commits Canada to providing $19.5 million of the Fall Economic Statement funding for the detailed design and construction of a mercury care home.
• A revision to the Framework Agreement, signed July 26, 2021, commits $68.9 million of the Fall Economic Statement funding to support the operations, maintenance and specialized service delivery of the mercury care home in the community, along with a periodic funding review that may be required to fulfill the goals of the mercury care home.

If pressed on the progress on Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows First Nation) Mercury Care Home construction
• The Asubpeeschoseewagong community has hired a Professional Project Manager, consulting firm, along with the Construction Project Team to oversee and manage the detailed design and construction of the mercury care home, in accordance with the community-led Feasibility Study.
• The community has developed key construction milestones to ensure that the mercury care home is built in a timely manner.
• After construction begins, it is expected to take Asubpeeschoseewagong 24-36 months to complete the construction.

If pressed on Mercury-related data
• We are committed to ensuring that the residents of Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows First Nation) and Wabaseemoong have access to their community’s mercury-related data.
• Personal medical information that includes mercury data has been, and will continue to be, provided to individuals upon request.
• In collaboration with the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, the government continue to offer free analysis of hair samples to all residents of Asubpeeschoseewagong and Wabaseemoong at their request.
• We will continue to work with First Nations leadership and health care providers to answer questions and offer support to individuals in community.

If pressed on Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows First Nation) water supply
• In December 2020, Asubpeeschoseewagong completed the feasibility study which demonstrated the need for a new water treatment plant.
• The Department has provided funding for the detailed design phase of the project. With support from ISC, Asubpeeschoseewagong has hired a Professional Project Manager and is now working to procure a Design Consultant.
• With funding support from ISC, the community completed interim upgrades to their existing water treatment facility in September 2020 which has resolved three drinking water advisories affecting the community, and restored access to safe drinking water for all residents.