New plant means reliable access to safe potable water at Tallcree South Reserve
TALLCREE FIRST NATION, AB, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, extends his congratulations to the Tallcree First Nation on the completion of the Tallcree South Reserve water treatment plant. The Government of Canada remains committed to ensuring that First Nation's have the same access to safe and clean water in their communities as all Canadians have. This new facility will provide access to drinking water for residents of Tallcree First Nation.
The Government of Canada invested approximately $10 million over four years in this project, which will expand the water treatment facility, and significantly improve the infrastructure of the existing plant. Previous actions by our Government to improve First Nations' water and wastewater infrastructure include the recent passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act. Economic Action 2014 also delivers on our commitment to address this issue by extending the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan with further investments of $323.4 million over the next two years.
Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure. These expenditures are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.
Quick Facts
- Economic Action Plan 2014 commits $323.4 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure on First Nation communities.
- The Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which came into force November 1, 2013, allows the Government of Canada to work with First Nations to develop regulations to ensure safe drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, and the protection of sources of drinking water.
- Regulations will be developed on a region by region basis with First Nations and other stakeholders.
- South Tallcree Reserve is a community located in northern Alberta, approximately 660 km northwest of Edmonton. The community is administered by Tallcree First Nation and consists of approximately 300 persons.
Quotes
"Our Government continues to support improvements to water and wastewater systems on-reserve across Canada, and the remote residents at Tallcree South Reserve will also benefit from a facility that provides their community with the same access to safe and clean water that other Canadians enjoy. Through these types of investments, Canada continues in its commitment to improve the health and quality of life in First Nation communities."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"Since becoming the Member of Parliament for Peace River in 2006, I have come to know, understand and appreciate the strength of our First Nation partners. I can clearly see the leadership, determination and pride flowing from the Chief and Band Council in the opening of a new water treatment plant, which is a vital and constructive step in protecting the health and safety of the residents of Tallcree First Nation today and into the future."
Chris Warkentin
Member of Parliament for Peace River
"We are proud to be able to provide safe drinking water to our people of South Tallcree. We are grateful for the cooperation of the Government of Canada, who were able to provide the funding and expertise for this project. It demonstrates AANDC's commitment to the safety and well-being of my Nation and its people. This project afforded economic opportunities and employment for our workforce and has provided other opportunities for the Nation to improve conditions for our Band members. We look forward to a continuing partnership with AANDC and the Government of Canada in our shared commitment to improving conditions and services in Tallcree."
Chief Rupert Meneen
Tallcree First Nation
Related Products
- Harper Government Welcomes the Coming into Force of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
- First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan
Additonal Links
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
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Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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