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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016
Security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
Scottie Scheffler isn't the first pro golfer to be arrested during a tournament
Scottie Scheffler's arrest hours before his second-round tee time at the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, will go down as one of the most shocking in professional golf history. It certainly wasn't the first, though.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Anglers reel in 3.5-metre-long tiger shark off coast of Florida: 'She found my bait'
A group of fishers said it took roughly 20 minutes to reel in this 3.5-metre-long tiger shark off the coast of Florida.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Canadian convicted of attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer sentenced to 30 years
The man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.