NDP challenges Harper to visit Attawapiskat

Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel steps out of a shelter being used as temporary housing in Attawapiskat, Ont., on Nov. 29, 2011.

The Globe and Mail:

The NDP is challenging Stephen Harper to visit Attawapiskat and show he “gives a damn” about the people living on the Northern Ontario reserve.

In back-to-back scrums with reporters Wednesday, Interim NDP Leader Nycole Turmel and Timmins–James Bay MP Charlie Angus, whose riding includes the aboriginal community, demanded the Prime Minister take a look for himself instead of acting like he’s the “victim.”

Mr. Angus and Ms. Turmel toured the reserve Tuesday as Mr. Harper told the Commons the government has already spent $90-million on Attawapiskat. “That is over $50,000 for every man, woman and child in the community,” he said.

That comment outraged opposition politicians, prompting Mr. Angus to accuse the Prime Minister of being callous.

“I am astounded that a month into the crisis nobody is saying, ‘Why isn’t the federal government doing something?’ They are saying, ‘Why are these victims crying out?’” Mr. Angus charged.

“Where there’s a fire, boy oh boy, the politicians run in there and their pictures are being taken. When there’s a flood, you see the leader walk in there and say, ‘We’re going to help and we’re going to bring aid.’ When it’s a first nations community that calls for a state of emergency and a month passes and nobody shows up, that says something,” he argued.

“I would love for the Prime Minister to go there and maybe he won’t talk about money. Maybe he will talk about the people,” Ms. Turmel said. “I want him to go on site and see where the money is going.”

Her cost break-down indicates the people of Attawapiskat each received $6,500 – which is “not even poverty level.”

Eighty per cent of the money has gone for education, she said, noting the school in the community is built on a toxic field.

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