2-02757

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE ACTION ON FIRST NATIONS DRINKING WATER

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (March 21, 2006) -The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, with Phil Fontaine, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), today launched a plan of action to address drinking water concerns in First Nation communities.

“The government will ensure that First Nation leaders have access to the tools and resources they need to deliver clean water to their residents,” said Minister Prentice. “All parties with responsibilities in this area must take decisive action and achieve measurable results.”

This plan of action includes:

• The implementation of the Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Communities. This protocol contains standards for design, construction, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of drinking water systems in First Nation communities and is intended for use by First Nations staff responsible for water systems.
• Mandatory training for all treatment-plant operators and a regime to ensure that all water systems have the oversight of certified operators. Various initiatives such as remote monitoring of water systems and the contracting of independent certified operators to provide necessary oversight will be put in place.
• Complete specific remedial plans for First Nation communities with serious water issues, starting with the twenty-one communities most at risk.
• A panel of experts to advise on the appropriate regulatory framework, including new legislation, developed with all partners. Final recommendations for a new framework are to be delivered by September 2006.
• A clear commitment to report on progress on a regular basis.

"Today's announcement is an encouraging first step in our larger efforts to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and non-Aboriginal Canadians," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine. "This approach shows we can work together to find solutions that take people
out of risk while at the same time working on a national strategy to ensure everyone has access to safe drinking water."

“I fully support the measures announced today, as they will help address the problems that lead to drinking water advisories. Health Canada will support this plan by enhancing a monitoring system that serves as an early warning for potential risks to public health, and by providing additional support to identified communities most at risk,” said Minister of Health, Tony Clement.”

For more information, contact:

Minister’s Office
Diane Laursen
Communications Assistant
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations Unit
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160

Media Enquiries:
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320

Backgrounder - Priority List of First Nation Communities With High Risk Water Systems and Drinking Water Advisories

Fact Sheet - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Assessing Risk on Drinking Water Systems

Fact Sheet - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Roles and Responsibilities

Fact Sheet - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - Operators training and certification

Fact Sheet - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve - New Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities

Frequently Asked Questions - Improving Water Quality On-Reserve

Effective Action on First Nations Water

Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities