SPEAKING NOTES FOR

THE HONOURABLE JIM PRENTICE, PC, QC, MP

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

and

Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Announcement:
Infrastructure at the
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation

London, Ontario
Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Check against delivery

I am very pleased to be with you today in London.

And I would especially like to thank Chief Riley of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for inviting me.

It is an honour to be standing with your on the traditional territory.

We all recognize that clean drinking water is vital to the health and safety of every Canadian. Accordingly, about one year ago, a collaborative effort between the federal government and First Nations was launched that would address the challenges associated with drinking water on reserves.

Last March, I announced a Plan of Action designed to provide First Nation community leaders with the tools and resources they require to deliver clean water to their residents. In accordance with the five components of the Plan:

We have developed remedial action plans for communities with high-risk drinking water systems;

We are ensuring that certified operators oversee all treatment plant facilities;

We have implemented the Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Communities;

We are now considering options for a regulatory framework provided by the panel of experts; and

We are delivering regular reports on our progress.

Canada’s new government recognizes, however, that each community is unique, and that solutions must be tailored to meet individual community needs.

So it gives me great pleasure to announce today that Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is providing more than $2.7 million dollars to ensure there is safe, clean and reliable drinking water in the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation now and into the future.

The funding that I am announcing today will pay for the design and construction of an infiltration gallery raw water supply system.

Once completed, this will mean there will be an adequate supply of water in the community to meet -- not only the current needs of the First Nations residents -- but their needs well into the future.

This government is pleased to be working in partnership with First Nations on issues that directly affect the quality of life of First Nations people – not only water quality, but also education; improving the lives of women, children and families; and housing.

The second initiative I am announcing today is $200,000 to assist with the servicing of lots for Phase One of the community’s new Seniors Complex.

This complex, when completed, will help the community meet its increasing housing demands for its senior citizens.

While Indian and Northern Affairs is assisting with the lot-servicing for a number of units, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is providing the funding for the construction of the facility.

Together these community-based projects will make a difference in the everyday lives of people in this community.

Together, they show how Canada’s new government is taking real action to support First Nations in developing healthy, sustainable communities.

Thank you again for your kind invitation to speak with you today.

I wish you much success with these projects, and I look forward to coming back to this part of Ontario.

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