Profit Over People: Conservative Inaction Allowing INEOS Styrolution to Harm Aamjiwnaang First Nation for Quick Buck

QUEEN'S PARK — NDP Deputy Leader and critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations Sol Mamakwa urgently called on all levels of government to intervene and halt the alarming spread of toxic airborne chemicals from INEOS Styrolution operations in Sarnia. The contamination is jeopardizing the health and safety of Aamjiwnaang First Nation to such an extent that the facility is sending its own employees home due to severe health concerns.

"The pursuit of profit should never come at the expense of Indigenous people's health and well-being. The ongoing airborne pollution without consequence from INEOS Styrolution perpetuates a system of colonialism and systemic racism. It is unacceptable, and we must shut down this facility until they get their act together," said Mamakwa.

"We're talking about human beings here. We're talking about the lives of Indigenous people. If this were happening elsewhere, it would be declared a state of emergency.

"This is a message to all levels of government: First Nations are watching your response. The government's failure to act will only allow these companies to further jeopardize our future for quick profits. We will not tolerate this continued neglect of our people's health and safety.”