At the official opening of the Wasauksing New Water System
Wasauksing, ON
October 18, 2012
Check against delivery.
Elders, Chief Tabobandung, councilors, community members, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for your kind invitation to join in marking this great occasion. It is an honour for me to be here, on behalf of Minister Duncan, on the traditional territory of the Ojibway for the official opening of the Wasauksing water treatment system.
I would like to begin by congratulating the Wasauksing First Nation for the dedication and hard work you have devoted to completing this project. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all parties work together with determination and a clear-sighted view of a common goal.
I am sure everyone here appreciates the importance of what we are celebrating today. Safe and clean drinking water is vital to the health and safety of every Canadian. That's why improving access to drinking water treatment systems is a priority for our government. Between 2006 and 2014 we will have invested approximately $3 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure and related public-health activities.
This demonstrates our continued commitment to support the development of a long-term strategy to improve water quality in First Nations communities, and ensuring First Nations have the same access to safe, fresh drinking water as all Canadians.
Our government was proud to make an investment of over $16 million for this new drinking water treatment system. This project created 15 temporary jobs for community members and three full-time permanent positions – two water treatment plant operators and one water delivery driver.
And now, the new drinking water treatment system services 114 homes as well as the Elders' complex, the community's daycare, the school and the health centre. And what better way to end the Fire Prevention Week than with a new distribution system that includes hydrants for added fire protection.
Projects like this one bring lasting, sustainable economic benefits for the community of Wasauksing, while at the same time opening doors to economic and job opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of people today, and for generations to come.
This project was also effectively managed by the Wasauksing First Nation. I would like to congratulate your community for recently becoming certified under the First Nation Fiscal and Statistical Management Act. I understand that your community is the first in Ontario to receive this certification. You have worked very hard to ensure excellence in your financial-recording practices and you should be proud of this achievement.
Economic Action Plan 2012 committed almost $331 million over two years to continue progress in building and renovating water infrastructure on reserve and to support the development of a long-term strategy to improve water quality in First Nation communities. And to make sure that progress is sustained and protected, we have introduced Bill S-8, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, to ensure enforceable drinking water standards for First Nations on reserve.
These initiatives and investments build on the concrete actions our government has taken since 2006 to address water and wastewater issues on reserve to ensure First Nation communities have access to safe and clean drinking water.
Safe drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater and the protection of sources of drinking water in First Nation communities are critical to ensuring the health and safety of First Nation people.
Today's celebration is a reflection of our government's strong commitment to working with First Nations, and to improving living conditions for First Nations communities. We will continue to make important and strategic infrastructure investments to support First Nations in operating their water and wastewater systems on reserve.
Once again, let me offer my congratulations to everyone who worked to see this project to completion.
Thank you.
