Aamjiwnaang First Nation declares state of emergency over benzene levels
On Thursday, Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain declared a state of emergency, “…due to the ongoing and excessive discharge of the chemical compound benzene from INEOS Styrolution’s facility.”
Aamjiwnaang defined emergency as, “…a situation that by its nature affects the health, safety, welfare, and property of a community and requires a prompt, controlled, and coordinated response by one or more agencies.”
As previously reported by CTV News, a halt in production at INEOS Styrolution on Tashmoo Avenue in south Sarnia didn’t happen until several people fell ill and an order from the province was issued.
The provincial order given last Thursday gave the company one week to create a plan to address benzene levels.
Community member and environmental activist Ada Lockridge said benzene levels from INEOS were found to be 22 times higher than Ontario’s ambient air quality criteria.
On Monday, INEOS Styrolution provided a brief statement to CTV News, saying the health and safety of employees and the community is paramount, and that it’s shutting down temporarily to address a “mechanical issue.”
Aamjiwnaang First Nation said declaring this state of emergency will assist them in their preparedness and ensures adequate resources in the event further action is required.
The council said if you or your family is feeling unsafe, contact Ashley Jackson at 519-328-6653 for help finding other accommodations.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation said more information will be released as it becomes available.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain declared a state of emergency on April 25, 2024, due to the high amounts of benzene found in Sarnia. (Source: Aamjiwnaang First Nation/Facebook)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
'A huge difference': These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Spanish prosecutors recommend 2nd investigation into Shakira's taxes be thrown out
Spanish state prosecutors recommended Wednesday that an investigating judge shelve a probe into another alleged case of tax fraud by pop star Shakira.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.