Kamloops, British Columbia (September 12, 2011) – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated Tk'emlups First Nation on the grand opening of its new wastewater collection system.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting safe and reliable infrastructure in First Nation communities,
said MP McLeod. We are proud to have supported the new Tk'emlups wastewater collection system, which is an investment in the health and safety of the community and will support economic development.
Phase one of this project gives us a foundation, allowing us to build upon social and economic development opportunities as we forge an environmental stewardship through our land development strategies,
said Chief Shane Gottfriedson. We want to thank everyone involved in this project from our own staff, to our partners at the City of Kamloops and most importantly AANDC for their commitment to work with us and not against us on this special project.
The Tk'emlups Wastewater Collection System project started in 2010 and includes the construction of nine kilometres of underground sewage piping and four sewage pumping stations to provide services to 114 existing community homes, the First Nation administration building and the Sk'elep School of Excellence. The system will also provide sewage services to 30 commercial sites and 260 leased homes.
The Government of Canada invested $8.2 million through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan . Tk'emlups First Nation contributed $1.5 million to the construction of the wastewater collection system.
The Government of Canada remains committed to the development of legislation to support the creation of enforceable standards that will address the provision of safe drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater and protection of sources of drinking water in First Nation communities.
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
