QUEEN'S PARK — Thunder Bay–Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois called out the province, accusing them of neglect when it comes to state of emergence in Ginooogaming First Nation.
During question period on Monday, Vaugeois questioned premier Doug Ford on his government's handing of the bridge closure that prompted Ginoogaming First Nation to declare a state of emergency.
“Ginoogaming First Nation is in a state of emergency. The bridge that is the main access point into their community can no longer be used for vehicles.
“It has been known since 2002 that this bridge was not safe. Ontario did its own study in 2017 that came to the same conclusion. Yet, no action was taken.
"The Premier and the Minister of Indigenous affairs did a photo op just outside Ginoogaming, last Wednesday. Why did the Premier and Minister not reach out to Chief Taylor and visit the community knowing it is in a state of emergency," Vaugeois said.
Ford held a media event in nearby Greenstone to celebrate highway improvements happening there.
Steve Clark, Government House Leader, thanked Vaugeois and responded on behalf of the Minister of Indigenous affairs and the Premier.
"The safety and well-being of that community when they're in an emergency is of great concern to the government.
"We understand the challenges facing that community and the government's committed to continue to work with the federal, provincial, Indigenous partners to develop a long term solution on that bridge.
"I know that the ministry officials continue to meet with the community and their leadership for terms of reference on the bridge," Clark said.
Vaugeois followed up by stating, "In my conversation with the chief this morning, those long-term solutions do not address the immediate need.
"In the 60s, federal and provincial governments expropriated Indigenous lands and water rights at will and gave them to industry. Eagle Lumber's current ownership of the bridge is a problem that Ontario helped to create. As of this morning, neither the Premier nor the Minister of Indigenous Affairs has reached out to speak with Chief Taylor.
"It's winter up there right now and an Elder with pneumonia had to walk across this bridge to get an ambulance. Premier, will you immediately purchase the land, fix the bridge, and work with the federal government to pay for a permanent solution?"
Clark said he wanted to make it clear that the government is committed to playing a key part in the tripartite working group with the community and the federal government.
"Timelines and steps have been laid out to repair or replace the bridge. I know that the working group continues to meet on a monthly basis as this project moves forward, and again, the ministry has said to me quite clearly that they will continue to play an important coordinating role to ensure that all of the partner ministries are providing insight into this project," Clark said.