OTTAWA — The chief of a troubled northern Ontario reserve battling a housing crisis and abhorrent living conditions said her community may turn down an evacuation offer from the Harper government, according to media reports.
On Friday, Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence wrote a letter responding to Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan’s proposal to temporarily relocate reserve residents in substandard housing who want to leave.
Spence said she will consult with her community but thinks they will stay and wait it out.
Duncan also said 15 modular homes have been purchased by the federal government for the community and will be delivered once winter roads are functional, probably in January. Spence said the reserve needs at least 22.
As well, Duncan said the government had provided funding to renovate five homes on the reserve and is working with other agencies to provide such necessities as toilets, wood stoves and building materials.
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Too funny – of course the chief and her cronies will not be happy to have the reason for sucking money out of the Canadian taxpaper moved out – my goodness – the people may never go back after experiencing life in a real world. Cheers.
Anyone wanting to leave should have the right to do so. Why haven’t other reserves offered to take them in.
Manitoba Chiefs evacuate their reserves. Could this be the first time in Canadian history that people living on a reserve have to have permission from the chief to leave a reserve?
I hope they have somebody properly qualified inspecting those trailors for damage ,before accepting delivery , after bouncing them over 500 miles of winter roads .At least then they might last 4 or 5 years before we get to do this charade all over again.