July 20, 2013
Check against delivery
Elders, Chief Anne Mack, community members. Thank you for the warm welcome and for welcoming us all to your territory for this celebration today.
On behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, I'm delighted to be here for the opening of your new water treatment plant.
I would like to begin by congratulating the Toquaht First Nation for the dedication and hard work you have devoted to making this project a reality. It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when people work 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. As you know, safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater facilities are vital to the health and safety of every Canadian.
The Government of Canada is proud to have invested $2.2 million in this new water treatment facility. This project will bring lasting, sustainable economic benefits for the community of Toquaht. It will also open the door to economic and job opportunities and make a real difference in the lives of people today, and for generations to come.
That's why our government is taking action so that First Nation communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater facilities, regardless of where they live.
Between 2006 and 2014, we will have invested approximately $3 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure and related public health activities to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater systems.
Economic Action Plan 2012 included $330.8 million over two years to help sustain progress made to build and renovate 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, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act which received Royal Assent on June 19th will 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 support First Nation communities in improving access to safe and reliable water, including substantial investments under Canada's Economic Action Plan and the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan.
Today's celebration is a tangible demonstration of our Government's commitment to ensuring First Nations have the same access to safe, clean drinking water in their communities as all other Canadians.
Once again, let me offer my congratulations to everyone who worked to make this project a reality.
Thank you.
