GRASSY NARROWS EFFORTS CONTINUE

Truth be told I just don't get it. In this article in today's Waterloo Region Record, titled "Feds, Grassy Narrows sign mercury care home deal", we are advised that the contamination, with 9,000 kilograms of mercury, of the English-Wabigoon River system occurred in the 1960s. By the 1970's the effects were being felt by the local residents as well as throughout the local natural environment. Here we are a minimum of half a CENTURY later before the federal government are honouring a long promised treatment centre for residents in their home community. Meanwhile presently we are in the middle of the Covid-19 emergency and all levels of government are stepping up, taking charge, spending taxpayers money and apparently doing the right thing. Almost as if that's their job, their duty, and their responsibility. Which it is, for all of us.

Are we to conclude that it's ethnic discrimination, plain and simple? Or does the federal and provincial government's belated efforts have to do with the relatively small number of residents/citizens involved? In other words their votes just aren't enough to bother with them? Or is it all about their isolated location? Again, out of sight, out of mind? Covid-19 is affecting everyone. That's an awful lot of votes and governments surely don't want to alienate everybody. I suspect the reasons that governments failed to step up fourty and fifty years ago is a result of all the above factors. Shame on them for that. Also don't forget that the 60's "scoop" of native children was underway in full swing at the time. It was a different time with both government and public attitudes being harsher, dumber, meaner, or whatever name you wish to put on it.

This treatment centre will provide access to health services for those residents living with mercury poisoning. It will be a 24 bed facility and should have been built so very long ago. How many sick residents have passed on without proper care and treatment as a direct result of government inaction? Long-term funding is still required for the facility once it is built.

Citizens should never forget that governments often fail in their duty to protect citizens. Citizens should understand that when governments do step up it's usually too little and too late. Yes we can appreciate their current efforts but also never forget their broken promises.