Canada’s Economic Action Plan Delivers on Water and Wastewater Projects for War Lake First Nation in Manitoba
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(March 19, 2009) – The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure members of the War Lake First Nation have access to safe and reliable water and wastewater facilities by supporting upgrades to the existing water and sewage treatment plants in the community. This water investment is thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp).”Our government recognizes that reliable water and wastewater facilities are vital to the health and safety of First Nations communities,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. “This vital investment will help ensure War Lake First Nation has the water and sewage infrastructure to address the 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. This investment will enable War Lake First Nation to design and construct critical upgrades to the existing water and sewage treatment plants.
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: inac-ainc.gc.ca
Backgrounders on water are available on the Internet at: 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
