Minister Duncan Celebrates the Completion of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems in the Anishinabeg First Nation of Kitigan Zibi

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Ottawa, Ontario (July 5, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated the community of Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, on the completion of improvements to its drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.”Our Government is committed to supporting access to safe drinking water in First Nation communities,” said Minister Duncan. “We are proud to be a part of this project to improve the Kitigan Zibi water distribution system which now allows for more homes and community buildings to be connected to a safe system that provides quality drinking water.”

With the completion of these infrastructure improvements, close to 40 per cent of existing buildings are now connected to a safe drinking water system. This includes 195 homes and a dozen community buildings such as the band school, the medical clinic, the police station and the community hall. This initiative was made possible through an investment of $12 million under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“This project addressed a number of concerns expressed by members of the community regarding access to a drinking water system that would cover the greater proportion of our territory,” said Gilbert W. Whiteduck, Chief of Kitigan Zibi. “It goes without saying that our community looked favourably on this investment as it contributed to improving the quality of life of all residents in Kitigan Zibi.”

By the end of 2013, the Government of Canada will have invested a total of $2.5 billion in water and wastewater
infrastructure for First Nation communities since 2006. These investments have been made through the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program, First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan and Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The community of Kitigan Zibi has 2,754 members, 1,571 of whom live on reserve. Kitigan Zibi is located 130 kilometres north of Gatineau.

Profile of Kitigan Zibi First Nation

For more information, please contact:

Minister’s Office
Michelle Yao
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and
Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160