The Government of Canada Works with First Nation to end three long-term Drinking Water Advisories at Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

PORT PERRY, ON, Aug. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Everyone in Canada should have access to clean and safe drinking water. Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced new investments that will lift three long-term drinking water advisories at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

The Government of Canada is investing approximately $4.3 million to construct a new water treatment plant, expand the piped distribution system in the community, and add fire protection capacity, including a water storage facility.

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is contributing approximately $2.3 million toward this project and through the significant efforts of Chief Kelly LaRocca, secured an additional $4.6 million from the Small Communities Fund, a partnership between the Governments of Canada and Ontario to help bring needed infrastructure projects to communities in the province.

Between November 2015 and June 2017, 26 long term drinking water advisories affecting public systems financially supported by INAC have been lifted in First Nations communities.

"The Government of Canada is working with First Nation communities and our federal and provincial partners to bring dependable sources of clean, safe drinking water to First Nation residents across the country. Today's investment will enable the community to lift three long-term drinking water advisories at Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. This is an important step in honouring our commitment to eliminating long-term drinking water advisories in Ontario First Nations.".
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"Once our water treatment plant has been constructed, we will be able to end three long-term drinking water advisories in Scugog First Nation. I would like to give gratitude and thanks for the support that was provided. It has been a long time coming and we have worked diligently to make this happen. Having a new water treatment plant will provide safe, clean drinking water in our members' homes."

Chief Kelly LaRocca
Mississaugas of Scugog First Nation                                                                  

Quick Facts

• As part of a long-term strategy, the Government of Canada is working with First Nations on sustainable approaches to eliminate long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems financially supported by INAC by March 2021, and to prevent new long-term advisories from happening.
• Seven long-term drinking water advisories (LTDWA) have been lifted in six Ontario First Nation communities between November 2015 and May 2017.
• Progress was achieved in part through the tripartite water working group, which brings together experts from the Government of Canada (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Health Canada), the Government of Ontario (Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change), and the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support training of water system operations, in addition to $141.7 million over five years to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.

Associated Links

• Drinking Water Advisories in First Nation Communities
• Infographic: 3 steps for resolving drinking water issues in First Nation communities
• Lifecycle Process for an Infrastructure project
• Statement from Minister Bennett: Government of Canada Steadfast in Commitment to End Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories On Reserve
• Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
• Budget 2017

• Investing in Canada: The $186 Billion Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

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SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

For further information: For more information, media may contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 613-697-8316; INAC Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160