Question Period Note: Aamjiwnaang First Nation

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• On June 13, 2025, the community confirmed a self-evacuation is underway to Sarina due to elevated benzene levels in parts of the community.
• Affected members have been relocated to hotels, where they will stay until air quality improves.
• The community has arranged all accommodations and meals in accordance with Joint Emergency Management Standard (JEMS) including wraparound supports.

2024 State of Emergency in Aamjiwnaang First Nation

On April 25, 2024, Aamjiwnaang First Nation declared a state of emergency after a significant spike in benzene was noted on local monitors, with community members reporting impacts to their health. The Sarnia-Lambton Petrochemical and Refining Complex includes three refineries and more than thirty-five interrelated chemical facilities with processes ranging across the hydrocarbon value chain, which are near residential areas, including Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The Sarnia-Lambton Petrochemical and Refining Complex was identified as a source of exposure and benzene was identified to be coming from a petrochemical facility, INEOS Group Limited, located across the road.

In 2024, Aamjiwnaang First Nation created an emergency plan where the community mapped zones with plans to evacuate those residing closest to INEOS factory before the anticipated dates of high emissions as a precaution. The First Nation scheduled a pre-emptive evacuation on October 1, 2024, during the benzene removal plan for INEOS Styrolution, scheduled for October 2, 2024. The neighbouring styrene plant was shut down last April after a spike in cancer-causing benzene levels was picked up and the First Nation reported some residents had fallen ill.

The First Nation set the benzene emission reading maximum at 27ug/m3 to trigger an evacuation.

During the state of emergency in 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) took on the leadership role in coordinating a response/sharing of information, and Health Canada took on the leadership role as it relates to the science, e.g. interpretation of results and recommendations to the community. The community engaged with Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and INEOS regarding the timeline of maintenance and removal of benzene to best prepare during the evacuation.

2025 Self-Evacuation

On June 13, 2025, Chief Nahmabin confirmed that a self-evacuation is underway to Sarina due to elevated benzene levels in parts of the community. Affected members have been relocated to hotels, where they will stay until air quality improves. The community has arranged all accommodations and meals in accordance with Joint Emergency Management Standard (JEMS) including wraparound supports. No individuals have reported symptoms at this time.

The Chief will track all evacuation related expenses and submit them for reimbursement. The total evacuation numbers are to be confirmed. Environment and Climate Change Canada has been informed of the situation. ISC health emergency management and emergency management assistance program will continue to monitor the situation.

ISC continues to work with First Nation communities, partners, and service providers to implement a continuum of mental health, wellness and substance use treatment services. Aamjiwnaang First Nation can access IRS supports through Toronto Council Fire.

If pressed on supports provided by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
• ISC partners with First Nations communities and provincial/territorial partners to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
• ISC will continue to support the community in their emergency planning and response.
• Consistent with the Joint Emergency Management Standard (JEMS) Aamjiwnaang First Nation will track all evacuation related expenses and submit to ISC for reimbursement.
• ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program reimburses response and recovery activities due to emergencies, helping communities recover in a timely, durable and holistic way.

If pressed on First Nations-led Emergency Management
• Service transfer is at the heart of ISC’s work and we are committed to directly supporting initiatives that align with the needs, visions, and individual contexts of our First Nations partners.
ISC has been working with First Nations partners and provincial/territorial governments to develop emergency management agreements that support First Nations-led emergency management.

If pressed on mental wellness
• The Government understands the significant inter-generational impact of colonization and residential schools has had on the mental health and substance use for many Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• The objectives of the Mental Wellness Program at FNIHB is to provide First Nation communities, families and individuals with culturally meaningful mental wellness services and support.
• ISC and the Province of Ontario co-fund 19 Mental Wellness Teams in Ontario, and an additional Team is funded solely by ISC. Aamjiwnaang First Nation can access additional supports through the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Mental Wellness Team.

If pressed on Response and Recovery
• ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program’s response and recovery funding stream provides support to communities as they manage impacts from emergency events.
• The Department provides funding for response supports to First Nations that experience an emergency event so that they may take actions to protect the health and safety of communities and mitigate damages to infrastructure and the environment.
• Eligible response activities may include measures to mitigate damage, safeguard people and infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of evacuations, support necessary evacuations, and provide assistance during health emergencies.