Bronte Kennedy

 

     50 years ago, the government allowed a company called Dryden Chemicals to put 10 tonnes of mercury waste into the Wabigoon River. This river was surrounded by many First Nation communities. Since then, the nearby community of Whitehorse has begun to experience detrimental consequences.

 

     Dr. Harada (a world renowned mercury poisoning specialist from Japan) revealed a study that he had conducted in 2010. His results showed that 59% of the population that had methyl mercury poisoning. 34% of the population would have been diagnosed with Minamata disease, and 44% of those born after Dryden ceased dumping in Wabigoon had methyl mercury poisoning.

 

      His extensive research was held credible by the majority of the population, but not by the Canadian government. The government stood true to their original research conducted in the 1990s that showed that 0% of Whitehorse showed signs of mercury poisoning. Health Canada declared that Whitehorse was at “minimal risk” of methyl mercury poisoning. The Canadian government has yet to acknowledge a single case of Minamata disease. They will, however, admit that the waterway to Whitehorse and other First Nation communities was polluted.

 

     Through a decade of court battles, the communities finally won its court case at the Ontario Superior Court. Now with an obligation to deal with the issue, the Canadian government formed a committee. Health Canada, while invited to join and help the committee multiple times, has refused each time. Even after the government worked hard with the Mercury Disability Board, Health Canada still approved clear-cutting in the nearby area, which was worsened the problem.

 

     The Canadian government’s actions are dependent on their ability to get re-elected after they have done this action. The voter turnout of Aboriginal Canadians in federal elections is lower than of any other Canadians.1 Therefore, the Canadian government’s actions are not largely dependent on their view through those of Aboriginal descent. This explains the government’s unwillingness to fix problems in Aboriginal communities. Think of this when you examine the government’s actions towards youth and the environment; if you can, vote accordingly!

 

 

1           R. Gibbins, "Electoral Reform and Canada's Aboriginal Population: An Assessment of Aboriginal Electoral Districts," in R. A. Milen, ed., Aboriginal Peoples and Electoral Reform in Canada, Vol. 9 of the Research Studies of the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing (Toronto: Dundurn Press, 1991), p. 160; Elections Canada, "Elections Canada Initiatives Concerning Aboriginal Electors: Elections Canada 1992–1999" (Presentation to the Assembly of First Nations, January 1999); Elections Canada, Thirty-fifth General Election 1993: Official Voting Results(Ottawa: Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, 1993); Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Thirty-sixth General Election 1997: Official Voting Results (CD-ROM: Catalogue No. SE-1-1997-MRC).

Ball, David P. "Grassy Narrows Marchers Offer Government Mercury-tainted Fish."Home. Aberrational Multi-Media Society, 2012. Web.