Pressuring province over toxic issues

Re Ontario knew about Grassy Narrows mercury for decades, but kept it secret,

Nov. 11 I am so grateful to the Star for having investigated the Grassy Narrows affair, where the Ontario government for so many years ignored the plight of people living in Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation, who were being poisoned by mercury from the old Dryden pulp and paper mill.

Instead, the government closed down their commercial fishery and deprived them of their livelihood.

The Star effectively pressured the government to finally clean up the site.

And thank you, again, for covering what is happening in Sarnia, with unreported toxic chemical leaks and horrible living conditions for people living in Aamjiwnaang First Nations.

A lack of reporting benzene leaks (a known carcinogen) and insufficient government action and regulation has resulted in many people suffering respiratory problems. The cancer risk is high.

The leak of hydrogen sulphide from Nova Chemicals on Tuesday did not result in a warning to the people of Sarnia.

Please keep us informed and the pressure on government and industry to better report and regulate these levels of toxins.

I have written to Premier Kathleen Wynne about this.

No one should have to live so close to toxic industries and risk developing cancer as a result. Cynthia Bragg, Guelph

Stories like the front-page piece on the Grassy Narrows mercury issue are why I subscribe to your paper. I appreciate your investment in local investigative work and advocacy. Jess Whyte, Toronto