Government of Canada and Slate Falls Nation Partner to Provide Clean, Safe Drinking Water
OTTAWA, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada is committed to ensuring all Canadians, including First Nations communities, have access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water.
Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, announced $11.6 million toward the construction of Slate Falls First Nation's new water treatment plant. Once complete, this project will eliminate nine boil water advisories that have been in place in the community since July 2004.
On July 8, 2016, the Slate Falls Nation awarded the contract for construction of its new water treatment plant to Kingdom Construction Limited. The project is expected to be complete by December 2017.
Budget 2016 invests an historic $1.8 billion to address health and safety needs, and important water and wastewater infrastructure issues in First Nation communities.
Quotes
"After 12 years of being under boiling water advisories, this funding announcement represents important progress in improving the daily lives for the community of Slate Falls. The new water treatment plant means that the community will finally have access to clean and safe drinking water. Our government is committed to furthering reconciliation by partnering with First Nations to end long-term drinking water advisories on reserves within five years."
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
"I'm very pleased with the $11.6 M investment in the Slate Falls water supply and distribution upgrade' project. Chief Crane, and the Windigo First Nations Council, should be very proud of their accomplishment. I hope this is one in a long line of announcements that will improve the lives of Indigenous people across Canada, and in Northwestern Ontario. This project brings us closer to our goal of clean drinking water for all First Nations by putting an end to nine boil advisories."
The Hounourable Bob Nault
Member of Parliament, Kenora
"This has been a long and difficult process however we are excited to announce that we will provide clean and safe drinking water to all the residence of Slate Falls Nation upon completion of this project. We look forward to working with the project team to realize this important and significant milestone for our community. I would like to thank everyone that was involved to make this project happen, such as my Council, Slate Falls staff, Windigo, INAC staff, NAN, Ms. Bennett and Mr. Nault."
Chief Lorraine Crane
Slate Falls Nation
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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
For further information: media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160
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