Dear sir:
The July 28 report on Ontario water treatment plant testing results by the Environment Ministry, following on the report by Environment Commissioner Gord Miller’s ripping account of government cover-up, demonstrates, without equivocation, that the Harris government, from the premier on down, has deceived the public, the same people that put their trust in the Tory government!
From the outset, the Premier denied the Ontario Government’s culpability. Dan Newman, the Environment Minister, was quickly abandoned by the Premier to continue the deception. With the Ontario coroner’s report recently reporting that only four of the 21 Walkerton deaths were directly related to and two deaths contributed to by E. Coli, it is very difficult to believe that in the space of four weeks, in Walkerton, 40% of the water-treatment plants tested so far, over 50% have potentially serious problems, small towns and large cities.
All 630 plants should be tested immediately!
The Harris Government’s handling of this crisis demonstrates absolute negligence!
Litigation by residents should include not just the government (unfortunately, taxpayers pay the patently), but specific individuals, such as Premier Harris.
Heads should roll, including top government personnel. Despite people having died because of his government’s actions, the golfing Premier (and Environment Minister) continue to enjoy a three-month vacation, in seclusion. It is time for Premier Harris and his government to be responsible!
John Shipton
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
