October 14, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister, Bernard Valcourt, and Health Canada Minister, Rona Ambrose, today announced next steps to ensure that First Nations have the same access to safe, clean drinking water in their communities as all Canadians.
Regulations will be developed with First Nations, under the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act. Regulations aim to protect the health and safety of residents on First Nation lands by implementing much needed enforceable standards.
Building on the substantial progress and investments made by First Nation communities and Canada in water and wastewater infrastructure and capacity, regulations will help protect the long-term operation and maintenance of these systems.
Regulations will be phased in, region by region, to close the regulatory gap and to allow the federal Government and First Nations the opportunity to bring infrastructure and capacity to the levels required to meet the regulations. During this phased approach, there will be multiple opportunities for consultation and engagement, to inform the drafting of regulations.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Michael Bolkenius
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Health Canada
613-957-2983
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