In part one of this two-part interview with Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Dianne Saxe, we delve into the industrial tragedy that has haunted two first nations communities in north-western Ontario for over 50 years. The paper mill located on the Wabigoon-English River system continues to impact the Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong Communities following an estimated initial dump of 11 tons of Mercury into the environment. We also explore the reasons behind the blue-green algae issues in Lake Erie and elsewhere, and why the government is dragging its heels on addressing what’s clearly the main source of the problem.