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September 24th, 2019

Grassy Narrows: A Reminder of Liberals’ Neglect of Northwest Ontario

KENORA – Today, NDP candidate Rudy Turtle (Kenora) reacted to the disturbing allegations of a second secret mercury dump upstream from Grassy Narrows. Grassy Narrows is a visible reminder of the federal government’s neglect of the people of northwestern Ontario. From Indigenous justice to jobs and housing, Liberals and Conservatives have failed to work for the region.

“Grassy Narrows isn’t the only matter the federal government failed to address – so is the 25-year-long drinking water advisory in Neskantaga, the lack of services people rely on, the homelessness and the drug epidemic in Kenora,” said Turtle. “Our communities deserve better.”

Neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives have worked to make things right for Grassy Narrows, a community affected by mercury poisoning since the 1960s - but they haven’t delivered either for northwestern Ontario on jobs, housing and making life more affordable for families.

“I see people who struggle every day to make ends meet,” added Turtle. “The Liberals’ priority is to represent the big corporate interests they work for, instead of everyday Canadians. We have a new deal for people in northwestern Ontario that finally puts them first,” added Turtle. “Unlike the Liberals and Conservatives who work for the rich and well-connected, we’re in it for you.”

The NDP is committed to make things right for Grassy Narrows and to make life better for people in northwestern Ontario. We will put the interests of people ahead of big corporations, make services more accessible, invest in jobs and work towards meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.