December 15, 2014 - Chase, BC - Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today celebrated the completion of upgraded water systems for the Little Shuswap Lake and Okanagan Indian Bands.
Each community received new water wells, distribution and supply lines, and a pump house and treatment system. Okanagan Indian Band's system also received a new reservoir. For the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band, the funding helped to connect two water systems between the Main Community and the North Subdivision which will maximize water quality, quantity and fire protection.
This $9.9 million investment by the Government of Canada will allow both First Nations to better provide their members with clean, safe drinking water.
Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure. These investments are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands, which is founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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