OTTAWA, ONTARIO (March 21, 2006) -The Honourable Jim
Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal
Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, with Phil Fontaine,
the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), today launched
a plan of action to address drinking water concerns in First Nation communities.
“The government will ensure that First Nation leaders have access
to the tools and resources they need to deliver clean water to their residents,”
said Minister Prentice. “All parties with responsibilities in this
area must take decisive action and achieve measurable results.”
This plan of action includes:
The implementation of the Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for
First Nations Communities. This protocol contains standards for
design, construction, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of drinking
water systems in First Nation communities and is intended for use by
First Nations staff responsible for water systems.
Mandatory training for all treatment-plant operators and a regime
to ensure that all water systems have the oversight of certified operators.
Various initiatives such as remote monitoring of water systems and the
contracting of independent certified operators to provide necessary
oversight will be put in place.
Complete specific remedial plans for First Nation communities with
serious water issues, starting with the twenty-one communities most
at risk.
A panel of experts to advise on the appropriate regulatory framework,
including new legislation, developed with all partners. Final recommendations
for a new framework are to be delivered by September 2006.
A clear commitment to report on progress on a regular basis.
"Today's announcement is an encouraging first step in our larger
efforts to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations
and non-Aboriginal Canadians," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine.
"This approach shows we can work together to find solutions that
take people
out of risk while at the same time working on a national strategy to ensure
everyone has access to safe drinking water."
“I fully support the measures announced today, as they will help
address the problems that lead to drinking water advisories. Health Canada
will support this plan by enhancing a monitoring system that serves as
an early warning for potential risks to public health, and by providing
additional support to identified communities most at risk,” said
Minister of Health, Tony Clement.”
For more information, contact:
Minister’s Office
Diane Laursen
Communications Assistant
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations Unit
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
Media Enquiries:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320
Backgrounder
- Priority List of First Nation Communities With High Risk Water Systems
and Drinking Water Advisories
Fact Sheet
- Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Assessing Risk on Drinking Water
Systems
Fact Sheet
- Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Roles and Responsibilities
Fact Sheet
- Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Operators training and certification
Fact Sheet
- Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - New Protocol for Safe Drinking
Water in First Nations Communities
Frequently
Asked Questions - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve
Effective
Action on First Nations Water
Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
