UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 18 April 2008 -- The Canadian government recognizes that one of its biggest priorities (even in water-rich Canada) is to continue to provide improved access to safe drinking water for all Canadians.

Two years ago, when the current Canadian administration came to power, attention was directed to the fact that there were 193 high risk water systems in First Nations communities including 21 that needed priority attention. 

As a result, a water action plan was introduced to address these priority communities – now only six remain from this initial list of 21 whose water systems still need to be fixed/improved.

To continue water initiatives for First Nations communities, the Canadian Minister for Indian Affairs and Northern Development, The Honourable Chuck Strahl, recently announced a new expanded $330 million two-year First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Plan. 

This new plan will seek to contribute to the creation of lasting sustainable drinking water solutions for First Nations communities.  

The Plan has several components. One component involves a commitment to conduct a national assessment of water and wastewater systems in all First Nations communities in Canada. 

This kind of assessment will help provide a better more comprehensive picture of the status of all the drinking water systems serving First Nations communities and whether the right kind of investments are being made.

According to Minister Strahl, it is anticipated this national assessment will help guide the government’s decisions to help improve the delivery of all drinking water systems.

A second component of the First Nations Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Plan involves increasing the scope of the Circuit Rider Training Program which will enable more water operators to receive training and certification.

A third component of the Plan focuses on the establishment of clearer standards that can better guide First Nations communities in the planning, design, and operations of water and wastewater systems including small facilities like wells and septic tanks.  

A fourth component of the Plan addresses the creation of a viable workable and sustainable legal framework for safe drinking water in consultation with the First Nations communities and organizations, and provincial and territorial governments.

As noted by the Minister, it is important that First Nations communities have confidence in the quality of their drinking water. 

As a result, it is critical that First Nations communities have the infrastructure, skills, information, and support needed to better manage their drinking water supplies effectively.

Most importantly, as an ultimate goal - it is imperative that clean safe drinking water is accessible to all Canadian communities across the country.

Labels: United Nations, U.N., MaximsNews WATER, water, water news, water sustainability, water resource, water management, global water crisis, Canada, Government of Canada, First Nations, native people, Chuck Strahl, Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Plan, drinking water, community, Kathy Shandling   

 

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