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OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 31, 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), the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment, today announced the creation of a panel of experts that will examine and provide options on the establishment of a regulatory framework to ensure safe drinking water in First Nations communities.

"This expert panel will conduct public hearings across the country to identify ways to ensure that all First Nations communities have access to safe drinking water," said Minister Prentice. "This is an important part of the action plan I announced in March 2006 which will create a regulatory framework for water quality, to be developed with all our partners."

"Our First Nations Action Plan recognizes the need for a regulatory framework on safe water in our communities. The key to success is recognizing that First Nations governments need support to meet any recommended standards,"added National Chief Phil Fontaine.

The expert panel is composed of three highly experienced and qualified individuals, including Mr. Harry Swain, who will serve as Chair, Grand Chief Stan Louttit, and Dr. Steve Hrudey. The expert panel will submit an options paper to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the National Chief at the end of August 2006. A report of the findings will be made public in September 2006.

"Access to safe drinking water is vital to the health of all Canadians, including First Nations people living on reserve," stated Minister of Health Tony Clement. "I look forward to participating in this process so First Nations communities can benefit from the same protection of water quality and safety as other communities in Canada."

"A clean environment and sound policies for drinking water protection are both essential to the health and safety of First Nations communities," said Minister of Environment Rona Ambrose.

For further information, contact:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

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

Health Canada
Carole Saindon, Media Relations
(613) 957-1588

Environment Canada
Media Relations
(819) 934-8008 or 1-888-908-8008

Assembly of First Nations
Don Kelly, AFN Communications Director
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320

Backgrouder - Creation of a Panel of Experts for the Development of Options for a Regulatory Framework to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities

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