Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas stood in the house last week as part of the National Day of Mourning to advocate for an official apology to miners who were forced to inhale McIntyre Powder as part of their job.
McIntyre Powder was a finely ground aluminum dust created by mine executives — and approved by the government of the day — as a preventive measure against lung disease.
Gelinas told her MPP peers that miners were forced to breathe the powder for over four decades.
She says unfortunately, it did not help them, but rather hurt them with some experiencing immediate health effects and many others long term.
House Leader Paul A. Calandra said an official apology would need to wait a little bit longer, likely until Parliament’s next sitting.
Parliament has now adjourned for the summer and will not return until after the provincial election.
