Canadas Economic Action Plan Delivers Improved Water Treatment System for Kahnawake First Nation in Quebec
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(March 19, 2009) – The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure members of Kahnawake First Nation have access to safe, clean drinking water by supporting an improved water treatment system, thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp).”Improving quality and access to water and wastewater facilities is a priority for the Government of Canada”, said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. “Investing in improvements to the water treatment system will ensure the Kahnawake First Nation can meet the needs of its growing population.”
This project is part of the $165 million for water and wastewater projects included in the $1.4 billion investment for Aboriginal peoples under the Economic Action Plan. The project for Kahnawake First Nation will improve the water treatment and reservoir capacities to meet the needs of the community. In addition, the reservoir capacity will be increased significantly to meet health and safety requirements.
“The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake wishes to acknowledge INAC’s commitment towards improving and enhancing the quality of drinking water within First Nations communities,” said Kahnawake Grand Chief Michael Ahrihron Delisle Jr. “The funds that have been set aside for our community will assist us in the work to improve our infrastructure. We look forward to further collaboration between our governments as we strive to improve the health, safety and well-being of our people.”
The Government of Canada is investing in projects that will provide lasting, sustainable benefits for First Nation communities. The government has made solid progress in improving water conditions on reserves across the country. For example, the number of high risk systems has been reduced by two-thirds. In 2006, there were 193 high risk systems. Today, this number has been reduced to 58. There were also 21 priority communities identified in 2006, meaning they had both a high-risk system and a drinking water advisory. Today, only four communities remain on that list.
The government is also taking decisive action to improve water conditions through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan (http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/mr/nr/j-a2008/2-3019-eng.asp?p1=209557&p2=6293).
Costs of projects announced today will be identified following the competitive tendering process.
This news release is also available on the Internet at: www.inac-ainc.gc.ca
Backgrounders on water are available on the Internet at: www.inac-ainc.gc.ca
First Nations profiles are available on the Internet at:
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ap/fn/index-eng.asp
For more information, please contact
INAC
Media Relations
819-953-1160
or
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
