Compensation package offered to Walkerton residents

WALKERTON, Ont. (CP) - The Ontario government announced late Thursday it would offer a compensation package to residents devastated by a deadly bacterial outbreak in rural Ontario. Several high-ranking ministers, including Attorney General Jim Flaherty, travelled to Walkerton to say the province will offer money to residents who became sick or lost loved ones because of the town's contaminated drinking water. 

"The payments are being offered on a compassionate basis, not based on legal liability, which would have to be determined and apportioned through the formal legal process," the province said in a release. 

It was not clear how much people would be entitled to or how the amount would be determined. 

The release said the claims would be "assessed and resolved through mediation; if necessary, independent arbitration will be available." 

Those who accept government money waive their right to pursue class action suits, however, the province will fund initial legal fees incurred by residents who decide to seek legal recourse. 

At least six legal firms have stated they plan to launch class-action suits on behalf of residents. 

The province also said it will aid local businesses by providing "relief for all direct water-related expenses and for fixed overhead costs incurred." 

The announcement came more two weeks after residents of this small farming community learned their drinking water had been contaminated by a deadly strain of E. coli. 

At least seven people have died during Canada's worst E. coli epidemic, which has sickened up to 2,000 people. 

The outbreak is thought to have been triggered after a torrential downpour May 12 washed manure into the town's wells. 

The package is in addition to $100,000 in provincial seed money offered last week to a local response centre. 

The government said Thursday it will also give the centre funds to cover individual out-of-pocket expenses such as food, water, shelter and travel. 

"This isn't about legal liability, it's the right thing to do," Premier Mike Harris said in the release. "People affected by this tragedy need assistance and we must respond." 

Harris, who did not travel to Walkerton, said the issue of ultimate liability for the payments should be left to another day. 

"The people of Walkerton should not have to go to court to get the help they need," he said. 

"The important thing is to get money into their hands promptly. We can sort out the legal issues later." 



© The Canadian Press, 2000
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