OTTAWA – John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement to provide an update on the renovations to the Healing Lodge for the residents of Attawapiskat:
“Today, I am pleased to report that the work to retrofit the Healing Lodge in Attawapiskat is underway. This urgent work is part of our Government’s Action plan to provide warm, dry, temporary shelter for families.
A team, made up of various technical experts, is on the ground and working to ensure the Healing Lodge is comfortable and ready for any of the 25 families currently living in temporary shelter. Experts will ensure there is a supply of potable water, effective electrical, heating and fire systems, and a fully operational plumbing system in the Healing Lodge.
The shared goal of all partners is to complete the retrofit of the Healing Lodge by the end of this week so that families, especially children, have a comfortable, warm, safe place to sleep until the 22 modular homes arrive and the renovations for the three other homes are complete.
Our government will continue working with the community, and the Canadian Red Cross, to ensure that families in need have access to safe shelter and basic necessities for the coming months”.
Photo of Healing Lodge: Christopher Kataquapit (c) Photos