During an announcement aimed at stimulating new housing builds and expanding transit services in Etobicoke, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow encountered significant disruption from protestors representing the Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations. This event occurred on Monday, and the protestors rallied across the street from the construction site, voicing their demands through speeches, chants, and songs, which could be heard within the unfinished building where officials were assembled.
The demonstrators highlighted their concerns regarding "decades of mercury poisoning," as stated in a press release from Grassy Narrows. They specifically called for Premier Ford to shut down the Dryden Mill, which they assert exacerbates the ongoing mercury contamination affecting their communities. The press release noted, "Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong were once vibrant and self-sufficient communities supported by commercial and sport fisheries. Mercury contamination destroyed that way of life, contributing to illness, unemployment, food insecurity, and cultural loss." Moreover, the statement detailed how pollution from the Dryden Mill continues to increase mercury levels in fish, aggravating an existing crisis.
During the press conference, when Carney was addressing the audience, protester Chrissy Isaacs, identified by Grassy Narrows, was heard shouting, "Doug Ford, Carney – justice for Grassy Narrows." In response, Carney remarked lightheartedly, "I can outlast her," prompting smiles and laughter from other officials present. There was no indication that Carney was aware of Isaacs' identity or the specific messages being articulated by the protestors at the time.
Chief Fisher of the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations expressed the community’s frustrations in the press release, stating, "Our community has lived with mercury poisoning for decades – we are still paying the price for contamination we did not cause. How many more generations must suffer before [Ford] acts? This is not leadership. It’s time to take responsibility and protect our people." This sentiment encapsulates the depth of the grievances held by the protesting nations concerning the long-term impacts of environmental neglect.
When approached by reporters about the ongoing protest during the announcement, Carney acknowledged the right to peaceful assembly. He remarked, "Hopefully you could hear the elements of the announcement, but it’s Canada. There’s a right to protest and it’s entirely appropriate." His comments reflect a recognition of the protestors' rights while also emphasizing the intent to proceed with the government’s agenda.
