Harper Government Congratulates Woodland Cree First Nation on Water System Improvements

New Marten Lake water pipeline and truck fill station ensure reliable and consistent access to safe drinking water

December 2, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt extends his congratulations to Woodland Cree First Nation on the completion of a new water pipeline and truck fill station at Marten Lake, Alberta.

The entire project was funded by the Government of Canada through the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan in the amount of $4 million for the water pipeline and truck fill station, with another $195,000 for the tandem water truck and garage.

Investments for water and wastewater build on the Government of Canada’s actions to support First Nations in the advancement of healthy communities. Previous actions include the passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which enables the government to work with First Nations to develop regulations that will ensure that First Nations have the same access to safe, clean drinking water in their communities as all Canadians. An important step toward these regulations was announced in mid October 2014 with the launch of the regulatory development process.

Quick facts

Woodland Cree First Nation is located in northwestern Alberta, approximately 130 km east of Peace River. The registered population totals over 800.
In June 2013, Canada passed the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which is resulting in federal regulations for access to safe drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater and the protection of sources of drinking water on First Nations lands.
The Government of Canada is continuing to invest in water and wastewater systems on reserve. Budget 2014 committed $323.4 million over two years through the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan.

Quotes

“Our Government remains committed to supporting improvements for water systems in First Nation communities to ensure they have the same access to safe, clean drinking water as all other Canadians. I am pleased to congratulate the residents of Marten Lake on the completion of their project. These investments are steadily increasing the effectiveness and reliability of water services in communities across Canada.”

– Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

“For many years the residents of Marten Lake were provided water by truck, hauled from the truck fill station located 30 km away at Cadotte Lake. With the completion of the Marten Lake transmission water pipeline and new truck fill station, community residents benefit in two ways – quick access to safe, clean drinking water and a reduction of costs for water service operations and maintenance.”

– Chris Warkentin,
Member of Parliament for Peace River

“I really appreciate the waterline to Marten Lake and the difference it has made. It is important that water quality is the same for our First Nation members as it is in neighboring communities. Being a shareholder in the waterline is a unique opportunity to work together and build relationships with the neighboring towns, municipal district, and other First Nations.”

– Chief Isaac Laboucan-Avirom,
Woodland Cree First Nation

Harper Government Congratulates Woodland Cree First Nation on Water System Improvements

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