Piapot First Nation, Saskatchewan
July 13, 2011
Check against delivery
Elders, Chief Fourhorns, councilors, community members, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for that warm introduction, and for your kind invitation to join you in marking this great occasion. It is an honour to be here on historic Treaty Four territory.
Today, we are celebrating the results of a partnership that has worked to make sure your community enjoys access to one of the most vital resources – clean drinking water.
This impressive facility will give members of this community a safe and reliable water supply. This will make a real difference in the lives of people today, and for generations to come.
I want to congratulate Chief and Council, band employees, planners and everyone who worked to make this project a reality. Together, you have created a lasting legacy.
Our government is pleased to have invested $4.5 million in this initiative.
Since 2006, this government has made important and strategic infrastructure investments to support First Nations in operating their water and wastewater systems.
Safe, clean drinking water is vital to the quality of life experienced in a community. Our government is happy to support and invest in infrastructure projects like this one which also brings other benefits as well. They provide opportunities for skills development and meaningful jobs. They help spur economic growth and build the foundation for long-term prosperity in communities across the country.
Today I join you in celebrating this important step forward. Of course there is still work to do. In this community, and others across Canada, our government is working with First Nation members to identify priorities for action. We are strongly committed to working with First Nations, as we have done for the past five years, to support progress and improve living conditions for First Nations people.
The success of this project is something that you can all be proud of.
Once again, my sincere congratulations to Chief Fourhorns and to you all. Thank you for making me part of this celebration.
