THUNDER BAY – Charlie Angus, the MP for Timmins – James Bay states, “The government has backed down on the houses for Attawapiskat. they have agreed to ship 22 homes, plus emergency supplies, plus funds to help rennovate some homes to make fit for habitation. The community has stayed strong through this stressful crisis. Keep staying strong as we still have a long way to go in order to bring a better deal for the James Bay communities”.
Angus has been at the front of the battle for Attawapiskat for several years.
The move by the federal government was announced in a statement by Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan earlier today. “Our government has purchased a total of 22 modular units for the community, including seven additional units requested by residents”.
Duncan also states that Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is now seemingly more willing to work with his officials. “I am pleased that Chief Spence has acknowledged the necessity of working with our Government, the third party management team, and Emergency Management Ontario to get help to the residents of Attawapiskat,” stated Duncan.
“I urge Chief Spence to recognize that greater cooperation between the band council and the management team is necessary to ensure long-term solutions. The management team’s work is expected to make more of the Band’s money available for housing, education and health”.
On Friday, Chief Spence stated, “My community will not consider third-party managers nor pay for them out of our already depressed band support funding budget”.