The BC NDP went on the attack in Question Period Thursday wanting to know why the Liberal government has remained silent for 18 months after learning about dangerously high pollution levels in Prince George.
In some areas, concentrations of formaldehyde were 20 times higher than what is considered safe in B.C.
According to Health Canada, formaldehyde contributes to allergies, asthma, and – in these kinds of concentrations – cancer.
Some of the worst air-quality readings were taken in Fort George Park, the site of a popular playground and daycare.
"The government kept that information from people in Prince George," said NDP MLA Rob Fleming on Thursday.
"Once the ministry detected these toxins in the air they have done no follow-up tests for 18 months to monitor the situation.
"That's completely unacceptable."
Liberal MLA Shirley Bond, who represents Prince George-Valemount, told reporters in the legislature that follow-up tests will be done.
"I can understand the concern that residents expressed, and we've moved forward and we are going to have the tests re-done," she said.
Too late, some residents said.
"If people would've told us, we might've had something done about it a long time ago," said Stephanie Routley.
Rob Haines, the operator of Children's Choice Daycare, also expressed frustration.
"My daycare's full all the time," he said. "People live all around. One would think they'd be highly interested in the health of all the people."
The re-testing will cost the province between $6,000 and $12,000.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger
