David Bruser

Working with provincial and First Nations leaders, Ottawa will address mercury contamination that has plagued Grassy Narrows for decades, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.

Generations sickened by mercury poisoning prompt province to agree to fund cleanup.

A confidential 2016 report says provincial officials were told in the 1990s that the site of a paper mill near Grassy Narrows First Nation was contaminated with mercury — and that the poison is likely still present.

Legislation introduced Tuesday would ensure money is set for remediation regardless of who is in power.

It’s not the first time the First Nation community has made this request. Top officials from both the provincial and federal governments say they are taking the request seriously.

Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott first made the promise at a closed-door meeting Wednesday. “We will support them through the troubles that they are facing,” she said.

Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle met with environment minister in October and was told dig plans would be sent within two weeks. None came.

Unpaid taxes owed by repeat bankrupts make up a portion of the nearly $4 billion the Canada Revenue Agency has written off since 2009 because of consumer and commercial insolvencies.

In addition to the projected $19.5-million construction cost, Ottawa commits to provide long-term funding for operations and maintenance, including federally funded services such as nursing, personal support workers and palliative care.

In 1884, Dr. William Osler gifted “four choice...skulls of British Columbian Indians” to a renowned German pathologist. The Star joined the effort to recover the missing remains.