Minister Chuck Strahl Welcomes the Official Commissioning of the Water Treatment Plant at Kwicksutaineuk Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation

GILFORD ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Feb. 16, 2008) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, today issued the following statement about the official commissioning of the water treatment plant at Kwicksutaineuk Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation:

“I’m very pleased that people in the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation have access to clean, safe water from their own taps. They can now enjoy the same protection afforded to other Canadians when it comes to drinking water.Providing reliable drinking water to residents of First Nations communities is a top priority for the Government of Canada. In March 2006, our Government introduced a Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities. Since then, the number of communities with one or more high risk drinking water systems has gone down from 193 to 85.

We’re taking decisive action to ensure that all reserves have access to safe drinking water. We remain committed to delivering real, tangible and measurable results for First Nation communities. I commend the Kwicksutaineuk Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation for their perseverance and dedication to this seeing this project through. Today’s achievement demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction to improve the quality of life in all First Nations communities.”

For more information, please contact

Minister’s Office
Josee Bellemare
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002

or

Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160