Homeowners demand $25M from Ottawa for structural damage

Several groups in Trois-Rivires are demanding millions of dollars from the Canadian government for damage caused by pyrrhotite, a mineral that can lead to cracks in concrete structures.

About 500 homeowners whose houses were built with concrete that contained pyrrhotite attended a meeting organized by the Coalition Proprio-Bton, a group that is campaigning to have the homeowners compensated.

NDP Members of Parliament, Robert Aubin and Ruth Ellen Brosseau, also attended the information session. They are demanding thatthe federal government hand over $15 million to help the homeowners.

The Coalition Proprio-Bton, on the other hand, saidthe Canadian governmentshould pay$25 million to help cover the cost of repairs.

The province of Quebec already has a $15 million fund to help cover damage to homes and properties caused by the mineral.

The coalitionwants totap into unused funds from a compensation program for pyrite in Montreal and reclaim the goods and services tax (GST) paid to repair homes affected by pyrrhotite.

The coalition anda consumers' association for quality in construction met with Quebec's Labour Minister Agns Maltais in Shawinigan.

She said she would take a look at the current warranty guidelines on new homes.

The presence of pyrrhotite in concrete can cause cracks in the material. These cracks can affect the building's structure and even cause it to crumble.