Reports on Progress to Improve Water Quality on Reserve; Launches Water Kit for First Nations Children
Frequently Asked Questions - Water School Kit for First Nations Children
OTTAWA , Ontario (March 22, 2007) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today on World Water Day tabled a report in Parliament that details the improvements that have been made over the past 12 months on water quality on reserve.
A year ago, Minister Prentice announced a Plan of Action to ensure that all First Nations communities have access to clean, safe drinking water.
"We have made substantial progress during the past year," he said. "We have addressed the most pressing issues in communities. In the last 12 months the number of high risk water systems in First Nations communities has been reduced from 193 to 97.
"Last year we also identified 21 priority communities. Today I am pleased to report that in seven of the 21 communities, the water problems have been addressed. They are no longer on that list."
A 24-hour hotline and emergency support system has been put in place and, as announced this week in Federal Budget 2007, the Minister said, "We are committed to putting a tough regulatory regime in place on reserves, including new standards."
Today, Health Minister Tony Clement unveiled a school activity kit developed especially for First Nations teachers and children, along with his colleagues, Minister Prentice and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment.
"Canada has the third-largest supply of fresh water in the world and through initiatives like the Water is a Treasure tool kit, this Government is taking action to improve the water Canadians drink," said Minister Baird. "In Budget 2007, Canada's New Government committed $93 million over the next two years to a National Water Strategy to clean up polluted waters, help maintain water levels in the Great Lakes and protect our ecosystem."
"I am pleased to support such a wonderful initiative through which teachers and Environmental Health Officers can play a key role in educating children on how important it is to their health to keep water safe and clean," said Minister Clement.
"Water is vital and Canada's New Government is committed to working with First Nations to protect it."
The school kit was developed by INAC, Health Canada and Environment Canada in consultation with the Assembly of First Nations, and is now being sent to First Nations schools and schools where more than 20 per cent of the student population is First Nation. It is also being sent to 42 Band Councils north of 60° (in Yukon and N.W.T.), and to the three territorial Departments of Education.
The activity school kit contains a teacher's guide, poster, CD, and a series of activities that teachers can use with children from Kindergarten to Grade 6. It is available on-line.
For more information, contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Minister's Office
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice (819) 997-0002
Media Relations Unit
(819) 953-1160
Health Canada
Carole Saindon, Media Relations
(613) 957-1588
Environnent Canada
Media Relations
(819) 934-8008 or 1-888-908-8008
