Premier Dalton McGuinty – ignoring heavy responsibilities
Premier Dalton McGuinty said in 2010 about Dr. Harada’s previous report:
What we do have is a heavy responsibility to take a good, long, hardlook at this new report and find out exactly what the story is.[1]
Two years later, there is no sign that the Premier has acted on this
responsibility.
What the others say:
· Dr. Masazumi Harada
It is an undoubtable fact that Minamata disease occurred in [Grassy Narrows and Whitedog], based on our long-term investigation result.[2]
· Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse
It is heartbreaking to hear the stories from the community members whose health has been affected by the mercury poisoning. The people of Grassy Narrows have raised their concerns for forty years now, only to have these concerns fall on deaf ears. The health of these people, the waters, the lands and all the beings are too important to be ignored. It is time for the government to listen to the voices of First Nations and to their constituents.[3]
Photo: FreeGrassy.org
· Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
We support Grassy Narrows First Nation and all of Treaty #3 territory as they continue to protect their inherent and Treaty rights and their traditional relationship with the land and rivers.[4]
· Ontario Superior Court Justice Mary-Anne Sanderson
[1626] The Honour of the Crown requires not only a fulfillment of Constitutional responsibilities and Treaty obligations, but also genuine openness and commitment to achieving reconciliation.
[1646] The Honour of the Crown must be fulfilled on a continuing basis. The Commissioners promised to implement and enforce Treaty Rights. In light of the findings of fact and the other matters outlined in these Reasons, they should now "get on with performance" of their obligations.[5]
· James Anaya, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Securing the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands is of central importance to indigenous peoples' socio-economic development, self-determination, and cultural integrity.[6]
· Craig Benjamin, Campaigner for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples at Amnesty International Canada
Decades of failure to uphold the human rights of the people of Grassy Narrows have led to tragic levels of poverty, and ill health. The Province could have avoided being taken to court if it respected the right of Indigenous communities to say ‘no’ to unwanted development on their lands.[7]
· Bruce Cox, Executive Director of Greenpeace Canada
Time and again we have seen environmental and social injustices arise from First Nations being ignored and their legitimate authority eroded. The people of Grassy Narrows have an unequivocal right to say no to harmful industrial development. It is now time for the McGuinty government to meaningfully address the harms of the past and recognise the community’s right to make decisions affecting their lands.
· Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians
The tragedy at Grassy Narrows will be repeated unless we recognize that access to clean water is a human right. There is a world-wide scarcity of water now, even in Canada there is massive pressure to turn water into a commodity to be bought and sold and controlled by corporate interests. I call on the McGuinty government to learn from the people of Grassy Narrows and protect the water for future generations.
[1] http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100406/100406_mercury_poisoning?hub=CP24Home
[2] [Harada et al., 2011 Section 4-3]
[3] http://www.lotwenterprise.com/PrintArticle.aspx?e=2527744
[4] http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en/news-media/latest-news/afn-national-chief-welcomes-grassy-narrows-court-decision-upholding-tr
[5] Keewatin v. Minister of Natural Resources 2011 ONSC 4801, Court File No. 05-CV-281875PD, Date: 20110816
[6] http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41925&Cr=indigenous&Cr1=
[7] http://www.ecojustice.ca/media-centre/press-releases/grassy-narrows2019-legal-challenge-to-clearcut-logging-begins