Moose Deer Point First Nation, Ontario
July 22, 2011
Check against delivery
Elders, Chief King, members of the community, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the warm welcome. On behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, I am pleased to be with you today.
I strongly believe in the importance of partnerships to improve the quality of life for First Nations people. And one of the most important and basic things we need to continue to work together on is access to safe drinking water. This is a priority for our Government. Our partnership with this community has supported the creation of a new Moose Deer Point water treatment plant for residents and I am very glad to be celebrating with you.
We firmly believe that investing in strategic water infrastructure like this one is fundamental for the quality of life for First Nation communities.
Your new water supply system features an intake and a wet well located in the Twelve Mile Bay section of the reserve. It also includes a slow sand filtration treatment system allowing water production that meets the Guidelines of Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Our government is pleased to invest $18 million toward this project under Canada's Economic Action Plan and the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan.
Furthermore, through investments from the Moose Deer Point First Nation, the Province of Ontario and our government – totaling $ 2.5 million – you now have a new recreation and health centre. By investing in the health and wellness of First Nation communities, we are also helping to stimulate the local economy and open up opportunities for all community members to enjoy fitness activities close to their homes.
As you may know, last week Minister Duncan released the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems — a comprehensive, independent, third-party evaluation.
This national assessment is an unprecedented, but very necessary reference tool to support improved access to safe drinking water on reserve. The report gives a very good picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead. It also shows that more needs to be done. That is why this Government is committed to moving forward with First Nation and other partners to make water and wastewater solutions a reality.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada along with Minister Duncan have been engaged in a dialogue with First Nations on safe drinking water and will re-introduce shortly water legislation designed to give the same protection to First Nations that other Canadians have. This type of legislation would make it possible for our Government to work with First Nation communities to develop enforceable federal regulations.
In this community, and others across Canada, local leaders are working with First Nation members to identify priorities for action. Our government is committed to working with you to remove obstacles and improve living conditions for First Nations people.
It is progress like you're making here that makes a difference in the lives of community members. It is providing clean, safe drinking water to give people peace of mind. It's providing recreational facilities that bring all community members together to stay active and healthy.
Our government looks forward to working with you to contribute to make progress on clean water and in other areas.
Thank you for working so hard to strengthen your community and to help build a stronger Canada.
Thank you.
