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NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT WILL BRING CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR WUNNUMIN LAKE FIRST NATION RESIDENTS

WUNNUMIN LAKE, ONTARIO (June 21, 2005) - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has provided $4.7 million for the construction of a water treatment plant that will bring clean and safe water for the residents of Wunnumin Lake First Nation. The community celebrated the grand opening of its new plant at a ceremony today.

“The provision of clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to closing the gap in living standards between First Nations people and non-Aboriginal Canadians,” said Roger Valley, Member of Parliament for Kenora, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “This community has demonstrated that by working in partnership with the Government of Canada, we can have a positive impact on the lives of First Nations people.”

Archie Wabasse, Chief of Wunnumin Lake First Nation, said the new water treatment plant will improve the quality of life of residents of the community. “We’re pleased to see the completion of the plant, and an end to the “Boil Water Advisory” which has been in effect in this community for the past three years. Our residents can now look forward to a better standard of living,” he said.

In May 2003, the Government of Canada announced $600 million in new funding under the First Nations Water Management Strategy. The strategy is designed to improve the delivery of clean and safe water, as well as wastewater treatment services to First Nations all across Canada. In total, the Government of Canada is providing more than $1.2 billion for a over five years for water and wastewater projects in First Nation communities across Canada.

In fiscal year 2004-2005, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Ontario Region allocated approximately $55.9 million for capital improvements to water and sewer systems, approximately $20.8 million for operations and maintenance of water and sewer systems, and approximately $1.5 million to support operator training.

Health Canada is responsible for issuing a “Boil Water Advisory”. More information on this topic is available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/doc_sup-appui/boil_water-eau_ebullition/index_e.html

The Wunnumin Lake First Nation, with a membership close to 500, is located approximately 360 kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

For further information, please contact:

Susan Bertrand
Senior Information Officer
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Communications
(807) 624-1531

Archie Wabasse, Chief
Wunnemin Lake First Nation
(807) 442-2559

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