2-02416

INDIAN AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA ANNOUNCES TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR DRINKING WATER SYSTEM OPERATORS IN QUEBEC FIRST NATIONS

QUEBEC CITY (QUEBEC), October 23, 2003 - The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is pleased to announce financial assistance for a training and certification program for drinking water system operators in First Nation communities in Quebec.

Over three years, the program aims to increase the number of certified operators and strengthen the skills of existing operators to improve the quality of drinking water in First Nation communities. In 2003-2004, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) contribution will total $500,000 in Quebec Region.

"We are working on many fronts to improve the quality of life on First Nation reserves," said Minister Nault. "This training program offers First Nations sustainable tools that will allow them to build strong communities. The skills acquired during training will help to ensure better delivery of services that affect all community members."

This initiative will be co-ordinated by the Regroupement Mamit Innuat, which will work jointly with the institutions certified by the Quebec Ministry of Education. Training available to all First Nation communities in Quebec will be offered as of October 2003. Participants will obtain recognized certification, compliant with existing provincial regulations. It should be noted that most current operators are Aboriginal.

"Strengthening capacity within Aboriginal communities is a priority for all tribal councils and First Nations in Quebec and training is an essential element in reaching that goal," said Guy Berthe, General Director of the Regroupement Mamit Innuat. "Within this context, the Regroupement Mamit Innuat is happy to be able to work together with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to implement this training and certification program, which will increase the quality of services offered in the communities."

In May 2003, Minister Nault announced a First Nations Water Management Strategy, including $600 million in new funds, aimed at improving the safety of water supplies in First Nations
communities. In total, the Government of Canada is providing more than $1.2 billion nationally for water and waste water projects in First Nations communities across Canada over the next five years.

For more information, please contact:

Hélène Philippe
Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Quebec Regional Office
(418) 648-7675

Jean-François Guay
Training Coordinator
Tribal Councils of Quebec
(418) 882-7872

Back to News Release Index