OTTAWA – POLITICS – NDP MP Charlie Angus has issued a statement on the State of Emergency declared by Attawapiskat over serious issues with the water in the community:
“Very high levels of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids have been found in the water system in Attawapiskat. These chemicals are very problematic and are linked to cancer. The community has declared a state of emergency but so far there has been no response from Minister O’Regan’s office to the very reasonable requests being put forward as an immediate action plan.
“We have been meeting with community leadership on a plan to push for action.
“The government must start shipping bottled water shipped into the community.
There must be a full testing of all houses (so far very limited samples have been taken). There needs to be a team of experts who can meet with the community and go through the health threats. There must be an end to the band-aid responses to the seriously inadequate water system in the community. This will require a total overhaul or replacement of the faulty water infrastructure.
“I spoke with two mothers who have children facing kidney failure and who have been told by medical authorities they must drink lots of water to keep their kidneys functioning. How can you do this when the water isn’t safe to drink?
“I am calling on Minister O’Regan to come with me to meet the community and establish a plan to deal with FLINT NORTH.
