Plane is loaded with high efficiency wood stoves and composting toilets headed to Attawapiskat First Nation. These essential supplies have been provided by the Government of Canada and were identified by the community as urgent. "This is a result of the ongoing collaboration between Aboriginal Affairs, Emergency Management Ontario and the Canadian Red Cross to deliver supplies. Joint efforts are now underway to retrofit the community's Healing Lodge and ATCO trailers," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
Ottawa, Ontario (December 11, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today regarding the delivery of additional supplies to residents in Attawapiskat:
"Our Government is working to ensure the people of Attawapiskat have access to safe and warm shelter for the coming months.
As a result of the direct and ongoing cooperation between our Government, Emergency Management Ontario, the Canadian Red Cross and the community, I can confirm today that high efficiency wood stoves, composting toilets, plastic sheeting and other supplies have been delivered yesterday to the community by air.
These urgent supplies come as we move towards the delivery of modular homes in the winter months. Our government has purchased a total of 22 modular units for the community, including seven additional units requested by residents.
Chief Spence also accepted our Government's proposed retrofit of the community Healing Lodge. Efforts are underway for the necessary retrofit of the facility to provide temporary, warm shelter for residents until permanent housing arrives.
I am pleased that Chief Spence has acknowledged the necessity of working with our Government, the third party management team, and Emergency Management Ontario to get help to the residents of Attawapiskat.
I urge Chief Spence to recognize that greater cooperation between the band council and the management team is necessary to ensure long-term solutions. The management team's work is expected to make more of the Band's money available for housing, education and health.
Ultimately, everyone's goal is warm, dry housing for residents that need it most.”
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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