Harper Government Supports Water Infrastructure Project at the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward– Hastings today attended a sod-turning ceremony at the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, congratulating the community on taking a major step forward in the construction of their new water treatment plant.

The new water treatment plant, which is being funded in partnership between the federal government and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, is a further example of the Government of Canada's strategic investments to improve First Nations' water and wastewater infrastructure across the country.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion in support of First Nation communities managing their water and wastewater infrastructure, including related public health activities.

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is working with First Nations to ensure their residents have access to clean and safe drinking water by jointly developing enforceable regulations under the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.
• The scope of the project includes construction of a new water treatment plant, a surface water intake, low-lift station, two above ground reservoirs, 5,830 metres of distribution system, 205 cisterns, a communal water filling point for the establishment of a trucked water delivery system, and individual household dispensing units.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 committed $323.4 million to extend the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan another two years.
• The Government of Canada is providing $27.6 million in funding for this project.

Quotes

"First Nations should have the same access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water as all Canadians. Our Government is proud to support this new facility, which will provide access to important water services, support local jobs and potentially attract investments now and into the future."

Bernard Valcourt
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"I am pleased that our Government is supporting this important project in our community. This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when we work in partnership towards shared priorities."

Daryl Kramp
Member of Parliament for Prince Edward–Hastings

"The approval for the construction of a new water treatment plant is a major milestone and accomplishment for addressing the potable water needs of the community. In addition to providing reliable drinking water, the project is also important to driving future economic growth and development opportunities. On behalf of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Canada for their financial commitment towards the construction project and making this project a reality."

Chief R. Donald Maracle
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation

Associated Links

Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Process for Regulatory Development on Drinking Water and Wastewater
Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation

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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