(Walkerton) The Canadian Union of Public Employees and its Local 255, which represents front line workers at the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, wishes to express its deepest sympathy to the residents of Walkerton who have lost loved ones or who became ill due to the recent tragedy in the community.
Local 255 President Dave Banks says, “The employees at Walkerton P.U.C., like the residents, are looking for answers. These workers, who live in Walkerton and are very much a part of this community, have been devastated by recent events.”
Says Banks, “There are clearly a number of scenarios being portrayed by the Medical Officer of Health, the Ministry of the Environment (M.O.E.) and the media. CUPE would welcome an independent public inquiry to get the answers the community is demanding. This inquiry should be called immediately.”
“The local office of the M.O.E. has now admitted that it did not contact the Medical Officer of Health in Owen Sound with water analysis concerns,” says the Local President. “Clearly this indicates the Ministry has a conflict of interest,” says Banks.
Says Banks, “Only an independent inquiry will get all the information needed so that no other community in this country will ever have to endure the tragedy experienced by Walkerton.”
For information:
Dave Banks
President CUPE Local 255
(519) 389-5225 (h)
Jim Keenan
CUPE National Rep.
(705) 722-7387 (o)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(416) 292-2839 (o), (905) 508-6391 (h)