Gabrielle Cassagnes Lemoine
The tour of Rouyn-Noranda to discuss the issues of toxic and carcinogenic pollution at the smelter continues.
After visiting the site of the damage, I met with Mayor Diane Dallaire and Deputy Mayor Samuelle Ramsay-Houle, who spoke to me about the public's anxiety about the situation, their concern for the health of local people, and their desire to ensure a cleaner, less toxic future for the city.
The situation facing the citizens of Rouyn-Noranda is atrocious. We know that Quebec emission standards for arsenic and other toxic elements are not being met, since the government allows them to emit more than ten times above the norm. The people of Rouyn-Noranda are paying the price for the negligence of the provincial government and the smelter, which is operated by Glencore.
Alex Tyrrell
Leader of the Green Party of Quebec
