Long-term drinking water advisory to lift with construction of new water treatment plant

The Federal Government is working in full partnership with First Nations to continue building nation to nation relationships while supporting self-determination. This is being done while also advancing meaningful reconciliation through the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with Indigenous Peoples in Canada to advance their rights.

Concurrently, the Government of Canada continues to make progress on more tangible commitments, such as achieving clean drinking water on First Nation communities across Canada. While 134 long-term water advisories have been lifted since 2015, 32 remain in effect. One of the remaining advisories yet to be lifted is at the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation, located on the Bruce Peninsula. It is set to be lifted upon the completion of construction of a new water treatment plant and upgrades to the existing water distribution system.

Recently, Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, and Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, visited Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation and viewed the new water treatment plant, which will improve access to safe clean drinking water for 264 homes and 20 community buildings and end the long-term drinking water advisory.

During the visit, MP Damoff and MP Longfield met with council leadership and discussed local priorities, including construction on the new water treatment plant and economic partnerships, such as marketing of medical isotopes in partnership with Bruce Power. This partnership includes the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), which is made up of two distinct First Nations, the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation, and the Saugeen First Nation. This partnership is named “Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin,” which translates to Fighting Cancer Together, and includes an equity stake for SON and a revenue-sharing program that provides a direct benefit.

Quote:

“Everyone should have access to safe, clean drinking water. The comprehensive approach the Chippewas of Nawash are taking to providing clean drinking water to their community includes a new water treatment plant as well as replacing all main water supply lines, providing training, and improving operations and maintenance.  Our government is investing in water and wastewater infrastructure, keeping water systems running and properly staffed, and supporting First Nations' control of water delivery.”

Pam Damoff

Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada is working with First Nations communities to achieve clean drinking wateron reserves. Since November 2015, 134 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, and projects are underway to address remaining advisories. Additionally, 222 short term advisories have been prevented from becoming long-term advisories during this same period of time.
• Bruce Power and eSupply, an Indigenous-owned business, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to explore business opportunities