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Today's News
November 9, 2005: Mouldy homes of B.C. First Nation to be replaced
Mouldy homes of B.C. First Nation to be replaced
Wed, 09 Nov 2005
CBC News
The federal government has struck a deal with a First Nations community in British Columbia to replace 26 homes condemned because of mould problems.
INDEPTH: Aboriginal Canadians
The Kwicksutaineuk reserve, on Gilford Island off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, appealed to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs for help two weeks ago. An agreement was reached within days.
The three homes at highest risk will be demolished first. Several trailers will be brought in to house people on a temporary measure.
Eventually, all 26 homes on the reserve will be replaced with new buildings.
FROM NOV. 2, 2005: Closing 'shameful gap' on reserves a priority for B.C.
"There's cautious optimism," said Chief Bob Chamberlin. "You can understand how many times we've heard offers and talks of creativity to meet our housing needs. This time we've actually got a commitment in writing from the ministry."
The man who struck the deal for Indian and Northern Affairs promises that this agreement will stick.
Ken MacDonald said the federal minister, Andy Scott, has become personally involved with the problems of Gilford Island and intends to meet with Chamberlin this month.
"Certainly when a minister gets involved, it takes it to another level," MacDonald.
The band is contributing $500,000 towards the project, which Chamberlin believes helped move the process along more quickly.
He said public pressure also played a role.
FROM OCT. 31, 2005: Kashechewan evacuees head for Ottawa
The village's plight came to public attention shortly after the Ontario government began airlifting people out of the northern Ontario community of Kashechewan.
Kashechewan's water had been under a boil order for two years, and many of the Cree who lived there were suffering from skin conditions aggravated by persistent water problems.
In the wake of news stories about the northern Ontario village, native leaders pointed out that the Gilford Island community had been under a boil-water order for nine years.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/20...
Topic(s): Fist Nations News, Healthy Communities News, Toxics and Health News, Water News
Posted By ECOBC
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