Harper Government Invests in Water and Wastewater Projects on Reserve
WINNIPEG, Feb. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to support strong and healthy communities. Through the Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to address water and wastewater issues by extending the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan (FNWWAP) with further investments of $323.4 million over the next two years.
These new investments will build upon the concrete action the Government of Canada has taken to support First Nation communities in improving water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes the recent passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, enhanced capacity building and operator training, and the protection of public health.
These investments will continue to support the comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands, founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.
Quick Facts
- Budget 2014 includes $323.4 over two years for FNWWAP.
- FNWWAP was introduced in 2008.
- The initiative funds water and wastewater treatment facility construction and renovation, operation and maintenance of facilities, training of operators and related public health activities on reserves.
- Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure, and in related public-health activities.
- The Act enables the Government to work with First Nations to develop enforceable federal regulations to ensure access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, and the protection of sources of water on First Nation lands.
Quotes
"Improving water quality in First Nation communities is a priority for our Government and I am extremely pleased that EAP 2014 includes $323.4 million over two years to improve water and waste water infrastructure in First Nation communities. Our Government will continue working with First Nations towards our shared goal of ensuring that First Nations have the same access to safe, clean drinking water in their communities as all other Canadians."
Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"Our Government is committed to ensuring that First Nation communities have access to safe drinking water. Through continued investments in the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan, we are working with First Nations to monitor and provide advice on drinking water quality and support for wastewater programming, including public health inspections and public education in First Nations communities."
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
"MKO and the Island Lake First Nations are pleased that Budget 2014 commits $323.4 million over the next two years to bring clean running water into more homes in the Island Lake and other MKO First Nations. The additional investment in retrofitting homes with indoor plumbing and in water and wastewater treatment systems will enhance the health and well-being of everyone living in these First Nations. The additional investments through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan will also result in positive economic impacts through retrofitting and construction projects in the communities. MKO looks forward to making future investments in community water and wastewater lines that will connect all homes to clean running water and to wastewater treatment systems."
Grand Chief David Harper
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
Related Products
2009-2011 National Assessment Report
Backgrounder - First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan
SOURCE: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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