Remote First Nation in Ontario in a dire situation over unclean water requests military help

Kashechewan First Nation declared a local emergency after its water treatment plant failed and leaders say they cannot secure enough bottled water; some vulnerable residents are being flown out on chartered flights while leaders have asked for military assistance.

Kashechewan First Nation declared a state of local emergency after its water treatment plant fell into disrepair, leaving the remote fly-in community without reliable clean water. The Cree community of about 2,300 people is located on Ontario’s James Bay coast and leaders reported difficulty securing enough bottled water. Indigenous Services Canada and local officials have arranged small chartered flights to move the most vulnerable residents. Community leaders requested military assistance to help with a larger-scale evacuation. Key facts: - Chief Hosea Wesley declared a local emergency because the community's water treatment plant was in disrepair. - Leaders said they could not secure enough bottled water and requested military support for evacuation efforts. - Indigenous Services Canada and local authorities chartered small commercial flights to evacuate the most vulnerable residents, and Timmins agreed to accept about 35 evacuees. - The community's clinic was being evacuated after a sewage backup, and an influenza outbreak was reported. Summary: Evacuations of vulnerable residents are underway using small chartered flights and some nearby communities are receiving evacuees; leaders have asked for military assistance to support a broader evacuation. Undetermined at this time.