Red tape keeps native families at risk in mouldy, flood-prone homes

[Guest guest]

Red tape keeps native families at risk in mouldy, flood-prone homes:

critics

The Canadian Press

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hNjVv56hbOW7omTRpnN3vCs

nuFJA

OTTAWA - Families are still living in mould-contaminated homes more

than two months after Health Canada called for immediate repairs on

the Fort Albany First Nation in northern Ontario.

At least 14 houses on the remote reserve near the Bay coast

need new drywall, insulation, vapour barriers and outside repairs to

stop moisture problems worsened by shoddy construction.

Mould is considered a serious health threat blamed for acute asthma

attacks, allergic reactions and a host of other respiratory

problems. It's a problem in homes across Canada on reserve and off,

but is rampant in overcrowded, poorly ventilated and flood-prone

buildings.

Dr. Murray Trusler of the Bay General Hospital said of one

Fort Albany family: " Their home has leaky basement walls through

which mice and insects freely traverse. The floor was wet and

mouldy. They should be removed from their home while appropriate

renovations are undertaken. "

His report is dated July 24, 2007.

Trusler also examined a three-year-old boy suffering a stubborn,

itchy rash over most of his body. Its resistance to treatment " makes

one wonder if the mould is partly responsible for its ongoing

presence, " Trusler wrote.

Other residents complain of chronic headaches, sore throats,

arthritic joints and nose bleeds.

The houses were built in 2001 by a Timmins, Ont., contractor without

so much as basic grading to allow for proper water drainage, says a

related report by B.H. Consultants Ltd., a Timmins

engineering firm.

Construction was financed through a bank loan and overseen by the

local native leadership, said Tony Prudori, a spokesman for the

federal Indian Affairs Department. He confirmed that two

families " remain in alternate accommodation, " but said repairs

haven't started because the band must submit proper paperwork.

" We have not received any proposal from the First Nation outlining

remediation work, next steps, costs and timelines. "

The Canadian Press obtained a detailed work plan sent to Indian

Affairs from the Mushkegowuk Council, which collectively represents

Fort Albany and other regional bands.

The document dated Aug. 7 estimates repairs would cost $2.3 million

to fix all 26 homes built in 2001. It also breaks down each phase of

the project over a total timeline of six months.

" It is critical that this work start in late August or early

September so that all foundation work can be completed prior to the

colder weather setting in, " said the document.

A spokesman for Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said the work

plan " was not the proper documentation required, nor was it

complete. "

The minister is very much aware of the mould issue and is concerned,

said Ted Yeomans in an e-mailed response. Strahl will work with the

tribal council and " we plan to move forward together when the

appropriate and completed documentation is submitted. "

Strahl's predecessor, Jim Prentice, also asked Fort Albany to

provide an independent report on why the house builders cut so many

corners.

Stan Louttit, grand chief of the Mushkegowuk Council, says about 50

people whose homes are affected are having to wrestle red tape amid

a health crisis.

" These people have no place to go. "

Louttit was dismayed when Indian Affairs staff - enforcing a long-

standing but inconsistently used protocol - refused to meet with

Fort Albany Chief on Sept. 28 because they didn't

know he'd invited New Democrat MP Charlie Angus, whose riding

includes the reserve.

The chief had travelled hundreds of kilometres to Thunder Bay, Ont.,

only to leave without a meeting, Angus said in an interview.

" I think that's the greater breach of protocol. "

Louttit said Angus and other MPs or MPPs have sat in on many

meetings over the years without incident.

Strahl's spokesman says Indian Affairs must be notified in advance.

Gabor, another medical doctor who visited Fort Albany last

summer, says help is needed now. He recalled the home of a mother

and three kids where mould covered every wall almost from floor to

ceiling.

" I would never move into that house. If it's substandard for me, why

should it be standard for the community? It's Third World conditions.

" Accountability is what's needed here. "