The Town of Kapuskasing is taking legal action against Indigenous Affairs Canada for $7.1 million of outstanding evacuations expenses. It’s for hosting forest fire and flood evacuees from the James Bay Coast.
Administrator Guylain Baril says at first, he was told it was an administration or staffing issue that was causing the delay in the repayment, but after more meetings it proved not to be the case.
“A month later we get some questions on the $200,000 of the $7.1 million which they are only agreeing to pay 90 of the $200,000,” he told councillors last night. “No mention of the rest of it and the bulk of the expenses and what really is not questionable.”
The Town is also informing Indigenous Affairs and the Provincial Emergency Operating Centre that it will not host First Nation communities this Spring until full reimbursement has occurred and measures are in place so it doesn’t happen again.
Baril says the town doesn’t have the money to fund evacuations.
“If we have to dive into our line of credit, even further I think it puts in jeopardy the completion of Brunelle Road North, King Street, Oak, Maple,” he said. “Those streets that have been identified as crucial.”
