Grassy Narrows First Nation moved closer to its goal of building a care home on reserve for those sickened by industrial mercury poisoning after the federal government signed an agreement to cover the entire projected cost of construction. Asked why he signed this version of the agreement, Turtle told the Star: “Canada has accepted our plan for the Mercury Care Home. “I expect him to honour his word.”For years, Grassy Narrows leaders have asked for help for survivors of the pollution. During the 1960s, the Dryden pulp and paper mill, operated by Reed Paper, dumped 10 tonnes of mercury into the Wabigoon River that feeds Grassy Narrows downstream. Shortly after taking over the job as Indigenous Services minister, Miller met with Turtle in Ottawa on Dec. 4 and committed to fully fund the construction of the mercury care home, according to a Grassy Narrows news release.

Source: thestar April 03, 2020 17:03 UTC