‘Deeply disturbing’: NDP MP reacts to report linking mercury poisoning at Grassy Narrows First Nation with attempted suicides two generations later

The First Nation in northwestern Ontario has been dealing with the effects of mercury contamination since a paper mill dumped nine tonnes of the neurotoxin into the English-Wabigoon River in the 1960s and '70s, contaminating downstream fish populations.

NDP MP Niki Ashton, pictured on Feb. 16, has criticized the federal Liberals for the delay in building a promised mercury care centre at Grassy Narrows First Nation.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY KEVIN PHILIPUPILLAI

July 24, 2023

A new scientific study has confirmed community members’ suspicions of a connection between recent suicide attempts at Grassy Narrows First Nation and nearby industrial-scale mercury dumping that dates back at least 50 years.

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