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REPORTING PROGRESS ON PLAN OF ACTION FOR DRINKING WATER IN FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES

Government Tables Expert Panel Report

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (December 7, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today tabled a report from the expert panel on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations. This fulfils a commitment made as part of a plan of action for drinking water in First Nations communities, announced on March 21, 2006.

The two-volume report has been shared with Minister Prentice, 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, for their consideration and review.

“Earlier this year Canada's new government announced plans to take decisive action to ensure that all First Nations reserves have access to clear, safe drinking water,” said Minister Prentice. “This report, which was the result of public hearings across the country, takes us another step closer to this goal.”

The Government also tabled a report outlining progress made on all aspects of its five point plan of action, including the removal of several drinking water advisories, improvements to a number of water treatment plants, and increased assistance and training for operators.

“The AFN welcomes the final report of the expert panel,” said National Chief Phil Fontaine. “As almost one-third of all of our 633 First Nations were at high risk, we support the panel's recommendation to the government to deal with the water systems of these communities immediately.”

“This report has the potential to affect the health of First Nations in a positive way by providing workable and effective options for regulating the quality of drinking water on reserves,” said Minister Clement. “I will review the report with interest, and look forward to taking the next steps with my colleagues, Minister Prentice and Minister Ambrose, toward addressing this important issue.”

“The expert panel report provides clear options for moving forward to address the issue of safe drinking water for citizens on First Nations' reserves. I am particularly pleased the panel is advocating a comprehensive approach that includes protecting the quality of drinking water at its source. Environment Canada has a particular interest in this area, and I look forward to working with Minister Prentice and Minister Clement as we consider how best to move forward,” added Minister Ambrose.

For more information, contact:

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Minister’s Office
Deirdra McCracken
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice (819) 997-0002

Media Relations Unit
(819) 953-1160

Assembly of First Nations
Bryan Hendry
Acting Communications Director
(613) 241-6789 ext. 320

Health Canada
Paul Duchesne, Media Relations
(613) 954-4807

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

Backgrounder - Progress Report - Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities

Backgrounder - Progress Report on 21 Priority Communities

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