Ref. #2-3623
KAHNAWAKE, QUEBEC (February 16, 2012) — The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Senator Larry Smith today congratulated Kahnawake First Nation on the completion and opening of their new drinking water treatment system.
“Improving drinking water quality on First Nation lands is a priority for our government,” said Minister Duncan. “Working in partnership with Kahnawake First Nation helped make this drinking water treatment facility a reality and I would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the Chief and the community.”
The First Nation was responsible for managing this large-scale project, which improved the quality of the drinking water treatment and included the expansion of the water reservoir to meet the growing needs of the rapidly expanding community.
“Improving water quality on First Nation lands is an issue of great concern for this government,” said Senator Larry Smith. “This project is a great example of our commitment to ensure First Nations have access to clean and reliable water while investing in long-lasting infrastructure that creates jobs and growth in their communities.”
This new facility was made possible through an investment of $11.4 million under Canada’s Economic Action Plan . The project will bring sustainable, long-term benefits to the Kahnawake First Nation and create jobs.
“As our community continues to grow, it is essential to maintain our capacity to supply safe drinking water in quantities commensurate with our population,” said Michael Ahrihron Delisle Jr., Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. “For some of our sister communities, this program has been eagerly anticipated, and its implementation is greatly appreciated.”
The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the lives of First Nations and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $2.5 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure for First Nation communities. The Government will continue to work with First Nations to invest in infrastructure, monitoring and capacity.
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.
Kahnawake First Nation is located 10 kilometres southwest of Montréal on the south shore of Lake Saint-Louis. The community has 9 796 members, with an on-reserve population of 7 635.
Minister's Office
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Joe Delaronde
Political Press Attaché
Mohawk Council of Kahnawake
(450) 632-7500
(514) 869-6812
