Canada’s Economic Action Plan Delivers Permanent Water Treatment Facility For Saddle Lake In Alberta

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Ottawa, Ontario (April 7, 2009) – The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure members of Saddle Lake First Nation have access to safe and reliable water facilities by supporting the replacement of the community’s water treatment plant with a permanent facility. This infrastructure project is funded under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.“This investment will ensure Saddle Lake has a constant supply of potable water, essential for the health and safety of the community today and in the future,” said Brian Storseth, Member of Parliament for Westlock/St. Paul on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

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 Saddle Lake First Nation will replace the existing water treatment plant with a permanent facility.

“I feel great, and the leadership of Saddle Lake First Nation feels great about this announcement,” said Saddle Lake First Nation Chief Eddy Makokis. “Everybody is excited about the new water treatment plant and we will work closely with the Government of Canada in making this happen within the next two years.”

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.

Costs of projects announced today will be identified following the competitive tendering process.

For more information, please contact:

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

Minister’s Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002