2-02490 OTTAWA (ONTARIO), April 26, 2004 - Work is continuing to address the problem of improving water quality on the reserve of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Today, the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced the appointment of former Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Doug Frith, as his Special Representative for improving water quality in the Six Nations community. Minister Mitchell and Six Nations Grand Chief, Roberta Jamieson, have been working together to address the well water situation since it arose at the beginning of April. A recent independent study indicated that there were serious public health and safety concerns in the community over water contamination. In his capacity as Minister's Special Representative, Mr. Frith will work with Six Nations to develop a remedial action plan that would ensure safe drinking water is provided to community residents. The second stage of the plan is to identify medium and long-term solutions to the water quality problems. Expert help will be provided by engineers and others to identify cost-effective solutions that address the concerns of the Six Nations community. Minister Mitchell and Chief Jamieson have ensured that the community has had ready access to safe water since the situation arose. It remains critical that the source of the contamination is found as soon as possible. "Chief Jamieson and I remain committed to working cooperatively to ensure that the health of the Six Nations community is protected. The appointment of this representative is a key step towards finding long-term solutions," said Minister Mitchell. Chief Jamieson said "I am very eager to get this process rolling. With the appointment of Mr. Frith as the Minister's Special Representative, we now have an effective way to work with the Government of Canada to address this crisis in our community." "With the appointment of the Minister's Special Representative, we're hopeful that we can move forward quickly and deal with this situation effectively and in a sustainable way," said the Honourable Bob Speller, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food and local Member of Parliament for the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, in which Six Nations is located. For more information, please call: Christine Aquino Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Andy Mitchell Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (819) 997-0002 Scott Cavan Media Relations Officer Six Nations Council (519) 445-2201
