Harper Government Invests in Upgraded Wastewater System for God’s Lake First Nation

Minister Valcourt congratulates God’s Lake First Nation on completion of its $10.7 million new sewage treatment plant, serving 1,415 people living on reserve.

February 10, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Today the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, congratulated God’s Lake First Nation on the construction of its upgraded wastewater treatment facility.

The Government of Canada’s support of this $10.7 million project includes a new sewage treatment plant for the community and will serve 1,415 people living on reserve.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure. These expenditures are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands. 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.

Our Government is focused on what matters most to Canadians: growing the economy and helping create jobs. That is why, through our Government’s $53 billion New Building Canada Plan, we continue support the construction of provincial, territorial and municipal infrastructure.

Quick facts

Funding for the project was made possible through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan.
God’s Lake First Nation is located 240 kilometres southeast of Thompson, Manitoba at the point of the narrows in God’s Lake. It is accessible by air and by winter road via provincial highway 373. The community has approximately 2,630 members, with an on-reserve population of 1,415.
Economic Action Plan 2014 committed $323.4 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in First Nation communities.
On November 1, 2013, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act came into force, which will support safe, on-reserve drinking water and wastewater treatment by developing much needed regulations.

Quotes
“Our Government is proud to provide funding for upgrades to God’s Lake First Nation water system so that community members can have the same access to safe and clean water that other Canadians enjoy. We recognize that improving water and wastewater systems on reserve is crucial to supporting healthy, self-sufficient and prosperous First Nation communities and this announcement is a clear demonstration of working with our partners to achieve this goal.”

– Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“I am very pleased the Government of Canada supported this important project. This wastewater treatment facility will protect the environment of our community and improve the quality of life for all those living here. This is a positive step towards hooking up all our homes to our sewage systems.”

– Chief Gilbert George Andrews,
God’s Lake First Nation
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