September 2018: Four long-term drinking water advisories lifted on public systems on reserve Français
OTTAWA, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - The federal government remains steadfast and on track in its commitment to ending all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.
For September 2018, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, provided the following update as part of the department's monthly report on long-term drinking water advisories:
- One long-term drinking water advisory was lifted by the Cowichan Tribes in British Columbia on September 12. The water system was connected to a Regional District distribution system in order to restore clean water to the community. The advisory had been in place since June 2011.
- One long-term drinking water advisory was lifted by Adams Lake Indian Band in British Columbia on September 13. Their existing water system received improvements and upgrades to restore clean water and ensure the community's needs are met for years to come. The advisory had been in place since April 2009.
- One long-term drinking water advisory was lifted by Pikangikum First Nation in Ontario on September 17. The community completed repairs to their water treatment system and back-up power system to restore the supply of clean drinking water. The advisory had been in place since December 2016.
- One long-term drinking water advisory was lifted by Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation on September 28. System upgrades and repairs ensure that the Canupawakpa Community Centre now has access to safe, reliable drinking water. The advisory had been in place since March 2014.
Additionally, one short-term advisory that was at-risk of becoming long-term was successfully lifted:
- Shamattawa First Nation in Manitoba lifted a short-term advisory on September 4 after repairs were made to the community's water treatment system.
Seventy-one long-term drinking water advisories have now been lifted from public water systems on reserve since November 2015. Work is already underway to end the remaining 69 long-term advisories, close the gap in water and wastewater infrastructure, and prevent further short-term advisories from becoming long-term.
Quotes
"I am pleased to share more progress on our government's commitment to lifting all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve. Four long-term advisories were lifted in September, with 71 having now been lifted since November 2015. I invite all Canadians to follow progress on the work underway at www.canada.ca/water-on-reserve."
The Honourable Jane Philpott., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services
Quick Facts
- A drinking water advisory becomes long-term when it has been in place for over a year.
- There were 105 long-term drinking water advisories on public drinking water systems on reserve in November 2015. As of September 30, 2018 71 of these advisories have been resolved and 35 have been added. Working in collaboration with First Nations, the Government of Canada has committed to ending all long-term advisories on public systems on reserves by March 2021.
- Budget 2016 provided $1.8 billion over five years toward water and wastewater infrastructure. These investments have supported 463 water and wastewater projects in 587 First Nations communities, serving 444,000 people.
- Budget 2018 provided an additional $172.6 million over three years to help accelerate progress on lifting drinking water advisories and to ensure more infrastructure projects can be completed prior to 2021. Budget 2018 also proposes support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nations-led service delivery models.
Associated Links
- Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities
- Lifecycle of a First Nation community infrastructure project
- Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
- Budget 2018
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
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media may contact: Rachel Rappaport, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, 819-934-2796; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]
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