Kiiwetinoong MPP calls on provincial government to ‘stop playing jurisdictional ping-pong’ with Eabametoong housing crisis
Tim Brody - Editor
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa is holding the provincial government’s feet to the fire, calling on the province to, “stop playing jurisdictional ping-pong, and address the severe housing shortage in Eabametoong.”
In February, Mamakwa called on Premier Doug Ford for emergency help stating, “Premier, you must do everything in your power to ensure that people do not freeze to death in Eabametoong this winter.”
A press release issued by the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) on March 29 states that the housing crisis “forced 17 people to live in tents in -40 C temperatures, and resulted in one woman’s death from health complications.”
“Premier, you cannot isolate from COVID-19 in tents,” said Mamakwa. “Eabametoong has so far been able to stop the spread of the virus in spite of their housing conditions, but they need resources to stop COVID.
“When will Ontario stop playing jurisdictional ping-pong, and address the severe housing shortage in Eabametoong with a real plan to address the crisis?”
The NDP shared in their press release that, “Eabametoong has one of Ontario’s longest boil water advisories, and it has a severe housing shortage. Multiple generations live in overcrowded homes without adequate heat or plumbing. Currently there are 17 people living in tents and shacks in winter weather.”
Mamakwa informed Premier Doug Ford of the tragic case of a local woman who died living in one of those tents.
“Philip Wapoose and his wife lived in one of the tents I have just told you about. She was in poor health and on dialysis while living in a tent with no proper heat, no running water, no kitchen, no bathroom or toilet,” said Mamakwa. “She passed away this winter, in these conditions.
“Why is this acceptable for First Nations people? Ontario is a treaty party with Eabametoong. How is it possible to not have a proper place to live and die in? Where is the humanity?
“What will this government do to alleviate this housing crisis immediately?
Mamakwa released
documentary-style video footage on his YouTube channel of first-hand accounts from people in Eabametoong who describe what it’s like living outside in tents and make-shift shelters during the coldest months of winter.
The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ClztvuiEJg.
