THUNDER BAY – Leader’s Ledger – Today I met with Chief Spence and some of her administration to reassure her that our Government will continue to prioritize the health and safety of the residents of Attawapiskat. We discussed the actions taken by the Government of Canada in partnership with Emergency Management Ontario and the Canadian Red Cross. This includes the delivery of urgent supplies, such as high efficiency wood stoves and composting toilets, and the retrofitting of the community’s Healing Lodge to provide temporary, warm shelter for residents. Our Government has also invested in the renovation of three homes and has purchased 22 modular homes for delivery as soon as the winter roads open.
We also had an open and frank discussion about the third party manager. His role will be first and foremost to ensure the urgent health and safety needs of residents are met as we respond to this urgent situation. In accordance with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s 2011 Default Prevention and Management Policy, he will work with the Chief and Council to help the community get through the upcoming winter.
Our Government will continue with our action plan to ensure the people of Attawapiskat see concrete and tangible results.