‘Inflame and distort’: Premier Stefanson calls out Minister Miller’s comments on Prairie Green Landfill
Posted July 13, 2023 5:55 pm.
Manitoba’s Premier Heather Stefanson is calling out federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller on comments he made Wednesday regarding the Prairie Green Landfill situation.
On Wednesday, Miller said, “We are willing to play a role, a very important role in this,” he said. “But the reality of where we’re working is that the government of Canada can’t nationalize the garbage dump or the waste disposal system of the City of Winnipeg.”
Stefanson responded Thursday by stating the Minister’s comments were “chosen to inflame and distort.”
“Rather than respond, directly or through his officials, Minister Miller has chosen recklessness,” said Premier Stefanson in a statement.
Stefanson said she has met with the families, saying Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Buffalo Woman will never be forgotten.
“As the premier of Manitoba, however, I also have other responsibilities. These have required that government address difficult considerations on the viability of a search of the Prairie Green Landfill,” said Stefanson.
“Based on an objective review of these issues, we have made the difficult decision that such a search is not viable. There can plainly be no guarantees on the outcome of an exceedingly challenging and complex search, and the immediate and longer-term human safety and workplace risks involved cannot be ignored.”
According to the premier, the Government of Manitoba is providing supports for the families, which includes professional assistance through the grieving process and an appropriate memorial for the victims.
“Our government continues to enhance our comprehensive approach to preventing awful tragedies like this one, in consultation with Indigenous leadership, the families and other levels of government. We want to build on what we have done already, through additional investments to address violence against Indigenous women and girls. This includes law enforcement work on domestic and partner abuse, other exploitation, and collaboration and investments in mental health and addictions supports, and addressing homelessness,” the statement continued.
“What should not happen – must not happen – is the continuing politicization of this awful tragedy. This irresponsible approach can only compound the suffering of the families, inflame wider community issues and threaten matters already before the courts.”
