The provincial government is ready to go ahead and fund the clean-up of mercury from the English-Wabigoon River system.
Environment Minister Glen Murray has confirmed that $85-million will be targeted for a comprehensive remediation action plan.
The government has already provided $2.5-million for on-going testing of the river system near Grassy Narrows First Nation and another $2.7-million is expected to be spent this year to continue sampling and analysis.
Murray notes work will start this Summer.
He states they have always been committed to the work, noting this kind of money often doesn’t go into provincial budgets.
Murray says he had to get to the Treasury Board this week to obtain the funding.
He says the figure is based on a report from the scientists working on the issue and adds he will continue to meet with First Nations leaders.