Manitoba First Nations suing over Lake Winnipeg pollution
A group of First Nations is suing all three levels of government over the pollution of Lake Winnipeg.
On Wednesday, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) announced that the eight First Nations bordering the lake have filed a $4 billion lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments, as well as the City of Winnipeg. The communities involved in the claim are Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Black River First Nation, Poplar River First Nation, Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation, Berens River First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, Misipawistik Cree Nation and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation.
According to these First Nations, the pollution of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River through sewage spills and continuous discharges is a recurring issue. The communities note the most recent incident took place in February when over 221.2 million litres of raw sewage spilled into the Red River.
“When the Department of Indian Affairs is telling me that the water coming out of my lagoon is cleaner than the water in Lake Winnipeg, that’s a problem,” said Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation at a news conference on Wednesday.
The First Nations note this legal action is not only about addressing pollution, but also their fundamental rights. They note the lawsuit highlights the governments’ fiduciary duties owed to the First Nations.
With this lawsuit, the First Nations are hoping to receive compensation for financial losses incurred due to the pollution. The communities remain open to speaking with all levels of government.
“As First Nations people and as to our teachings, we protect the water,” said AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Unfortunately at this time, this has to happen.”
Merrick added that the time for apologies is over, and that the communities are now looking for action from the government.
Meantime, Manitoba Minister of Environment and Climate Change Tracy Schmidt said she couldn’t comment on the lawsuit.
However she said, “The government is very seriously and deeply committed to protecting Lake Winnipeg."
She said the province will “soon be introducing legislation to strengthen the Environment Act in order to better respond to these kinds of situations.”
“We know Lake Winnipeg is a national and international treasure,” said Schmidt.
With files from CTV's Kimberly Rio Wertman
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
Police clear intersection of pro-Palestinian protesters on UBC campus
Police have moved on pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver, with video on social media showing lines of officers advancing on demonstrators rallying at a main intersection.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.
Infant dies in ATV crash, N.S. RCMP says alcohol may be a factor
An infant has died and three others, including another child, were taken to hospital following an ATV crash in Forties, N.S., on Monday.
'Scandals and secrets': On board the world's most exclusive private residential ship
It’s a floating city exclusively home to the 1 per cent, a playground for multimillionaires and billionaires that circumnavigates the world's oceans.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman
Indian capital swelters as temperature hits all-time high of 52.9 C
Delhi recorded an all-time high temperature of 52.9 C (127.22 F) on Wednesday as extreme heat conditions gripped the north and western parts of India.