Canada’s Economic Action Plan Delivers New Sewage Lagoon for Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba
Ottawa, Ontario –(March 19, 2009) – The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure members of Pinaymootang First Nation have access to safe water and wastewater facilities by supporting the design and construction of a new sewage lagoon, thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp).”We are working to improve water and wastewater facilities on-reserve which are vital to the health and safety of all First Nation communities,” said James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. “Investing in these projects will ensure the growing population of Pinaymootang First Nation has the proper resources to address their community’s current and future needs.”
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 includes the design and construction of a new sewage lagoon and pumping station for the community as well as the decommissioning of the existing lagoon.
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://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Main/index.aspx?lang=eng
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
