Feds Unveil Reserve Water Improvement Plan
Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 14:46
Canada’s Indian Affairs minister says more accountability is coming to water systems on reserves.
Yesterday, Jim Prentice took the wraps off a new plan that is aimed at ensuring First Nations residents have safe drinking water.
Prentice says new standards for water quality will be set first. Funding commitments from various agencies will follow.
He says 21 First Nations have already been identified as needing immediate help with 170 more close behind. None of the 21 high priority communities are in Saskatchewan.
Prentice says the standards will be published after consultations have been held.
Prentice also wants to make them legally binding.
FSIN Vice Chief Guy Lonechild is welcoming Prentice’s plan of action to address drinking water problems in First Nations communities — but he has some concerns.
Lonechild says there are still water quality issues on many Saskatchewan reserves that have to be addressed.
Lonechild notes Indian Affairs has invested $416 million for on-reserve water system improvements in Saskatchewan since 1990.
He also says there are now 109 certified water operators working in Saskatchewan First Nations communities.
However, Lonechild feels the water quality audit completed in 2001 is outdated and must reflect current conditions.
He’s also encouraging Prentice to work directly with the FSIN to improve water quality and treatment on reserves.