CHEMAINUS, BC, June 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Our Government is focused on ensuring the same access to clean drinking water on-reserve as is available to other Canadians. Today, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, extended his congratulations to the Halalt and Penelakut First Nations on the opening of the newly upgraded Halalt Community Waterworks system. The new infrastructure will allow both First Nation communities to better serve their members with clean, safe drinking water.
The Government of Canada invested $2.7 million to support this project, which includes a new water treatment facility and improved infrastructure. The Halalt Community Waterworks system will now supply water to 41 homes on the Halalt First Nation's Halalt Indian Reserve no. 2 and 21 homes on the neighbouring Penelakut First Nation's Tsussie Indian Reserve no. 6.
Across Canada, new investments for water and wastewater build on our actions to support First Nations and to encourage strong and healthy communities. Previous actions include the passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act. Investments will continue to support our comprehensive place founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and the protection of public health.
Quick Facts
- The Halalt First Nation is located 70 kilometres north of Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island.
- In June 2013, Canada passed the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act - is resulting in federal regulations for access to safe drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater and the protection of sources of drinking water on First Nation lands.
- The Government of Canada is continuing to invest in water and wastewater systems on reserve. Budget 2014 committed $323.4 million over two years through the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan.
Quotes
"Our Government continues to take action so that First Nations have access to safe and reliable drinking water in their communities, like other Canadians. I am pleased that our Government has supported the Halalt First Nation, and I congratulate them on the opening of their new water system."
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
"Halalt First Nation is happy to have a new fully-automated water system. We are looking forward to moving to the next phase of capital works for our First Nation by installing new sewage infrastructure, which is critical to our community's overall clean water management protocols."
Chief James Thomas
Halalt First Nation
Related Products
Backgrounder: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Frequently Asked Questions - Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Associated Links
Halalt First Nation: http://halalt.org/
Halalt First Nation Community Profile Penelatuk First Nation Community Profile
SOURCE: Government of Canada
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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