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NEW $7.4 MILLION WATER TREATMENT PLANT
ENDS BOIL WATER ADVISORY AT DRIFTPILE FIRST NATION

DRIFTPILE FIRST NATION, ALBERTA (October 11, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, in conjunction with Driftpile First Nation Chief Rose Laboucan, today announced the official opening of a state-of-the-art water treatment plant at the Driftpile First Nation.

“Ensuring clean, safe drinking water has been one of my top priorities ever since Canada’s new government took office earlier this year,” said Minister Prentice. “By working together with our aboriginal partners and other stakeholders, we will continue to our efforts to meet this challenge.”

The estimated cost of the new water treatment plant was approximately $7.4 million, of which $142,000 was funded by the First Nation, with the remainder funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). 

“Water, water everywhere, and finally drinkable,” said Chief Laboucan. “Now after a decade, Driftpile First Nation's members can drink safe, quality water. Thank you to the Creator for our sacred water.”

The plant, designed by ISL Engineering and Land Services, uses water filtering technology called membrane filtration and ultraviolet technology to meet the latest water quality protocols. The pumphouse was also upgraded and additional water main piping was provided to improve water quality at the school. This water treatment plant is especially significant to the community because it allows the First Nation to lift boil water advisories that have been in place for the past number of years.

Driftpile First Nation, located just over 300 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has a registered Indian population of approximately 2,200, of which approximately 800 people live on-reserve.

On March 21, 2006, Minister Prentice announced a Plan of Action related to water quality on First Nations, which includes implementation of a Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Communities and mandatory training for all water treatment plant operators, and a regime to ensure that all water systems have the oversight of certified operators.

Since 2003/2004, INAC has invested more than $51 million in upgrading and building new water plant systems in Alberta.

For further information, please contact:

Peter Freeman
Driftpile First Nation
(780)  355-3868

Kelly Payn
Communications Officer
INAC, Alberta Region
(780) 495-2840

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