A State of Emergency has been declared in Attawapiskat, but not for forest fires.
The notice is due to the condition of its drinking water.
It’s been a problem that has plagued the First Nation for years.
Charlie Angus is the Federal NDP Critic for Indigenous and Northern Affairs and says dangerous and problematic levels of acid and chemicals have been discovered in the water system.
He says some of the chemicals are linked to cancer.
Angus says “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.”
Angus adds the government must start shipping bottled water into the community.
He also wants to see full testing of all houses, noting very few samples have been taken so far.
