The Canadian federal government is facing serious allegations of concealing toxic water contamination in North Bay, Ontario, for nearly five years, according to records obtained by the Investigative Journalism Bureau [1][2][3][4][5].

In 2012, the Department of National Defence (DND) discovered elevated levels of 'forever chemicals' in the local water supply, which are linked to numerous severe health risks including cancers, kidney disease, liver problems, and birth defects [1][2].

Despite chemical levels dramatically exceeding Health Canada's drinking water guidance, DND reportedly did not inform local government officials about the public health threat until late 2016 — potentially violating provincial environmental regulations. The contamination was only publicly revealed in 2017 [1][2][3].

"It's a government cover-up," stated Sébastien Sauvé, a professor and expert in environmental contamination, highlighting the serious nature of the alleged concealment [1][2].

The revelation raises critical questions about governmental transparency, public health protection, and the potential long-term health consequences for North Bay residents exposed to these toxic chemicals.