During Question Period this morning, Premier Wynne refused to answer Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas questions regarding CN cleanup of the remaining oil in the Makami River near Gogama.

“I have asked this government to act, but they won’t. I don’t get it. It will not cost the province anything,” said Gélinas. “When will this government do the right thing for our water today and for the safety of our water for generations to come?” she asked.

As a result of the Wynne Liberal government’s ongoing refusal to order CN to finally clean up the river, the people of Gogama and the Mattagami First Nation have decided to hold a protest on Highway 144 on Monday, October 10th. Citizens hope to draw attention to the environmental crisis, and gain public support to force the Liberal government to finally act.

“On Monday, Highway 144 will be very busy with its usual truck traffic, families heading home after the Thanksgiving holiday, students returning to school, along with hundreds of hunters who will be in the area since it is hunting season,” said Gélinas. “Instead of forcing citizens to take this action to have their voices heard, why doesn’t the government order CN to clean up, using companies already on the ground, ready to go in Gogama?” she asked.

On October 1, 2016, the Algoma District Municipal Association, comprised of 20 municipalities in the Algoma District, unanimously passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to direct CN Rail to clean up the rivers, streams and wilderness area surrounding the Gogama derailment and spill site, and that such cleanup be to a standard acceptable to the citizens of Gogama and Mattagami First Nation.

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