Conservatives’ Band-Aid Solutions Fail Kashechewan Residents

OTTAWA – This week’s evacuation of the community of Kashechewan is proof that the Conservative government’s band-aid solutions aren’t helping to improve the lives of the people who live there, Liberal Indian Affairs Critic Anita Neville said today.“The Conservative government has failed to live up to its promise to find a lasting long-term solution for the community of Kashechewan,” said Ms. Neville. “Today’s general evacuation is proof that the residents are paying a very high price for the Conservatives’ failure to address this issue seriously.”

More than 1,000 residents of Kashechewan will leave their homes this week due to flood risks. This same community has been flooded out four times since 2004.

The latest evacuation comes in the wake of the Harper government’s cancellation of the previous Liberal government’s commitment to move the community to higher ground.

“Last year, after much delay and numerous empty promises, the Conservatives announced they would not move the Kashechewan community to higher ground because it would be too costly and instead brought forward a cheaper alternative,” said Ms. Neville.

“This is a sad situation and one that the community should not have to live with year after year. It is time to find a permanent solution.”