Government of Canada Invests in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in BC First Nations

Press Release

June 9, 2017  Semiahmoo, BC Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

All Canadians should have access to clean, and reliable drinking water. To advance the vital work of reconciliation, the Government is making historic investments to strengthen on reserve water and wastewater infrastructure for Indigenous communities in British Colombia.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, was in Semiahmoo First Nation to announce $42.7 million in targeted funding through Budget 2016 to support 33 First Nation water and wastewater projects in British Columbia, including four which address long-term drinking water advisories. The projects funded are at the feasibility, design or construction stage. When commissioned, the new systems will provide quality water to First Nation communities with the same access to the level of services enjoyed by all Canadians.

Of these 33 projects, four will address long-term drinking water advisories. In addition, an investment of $338,000 is going toward the design of a new water distribution and wastewater sewer system in Semiahmoo First Nation which will address the long-term drinking water advisory in that community.

Quotes

“Ending long term-water advisories on reserves is a key priority for our government. Since November 2015, we have lifted seven long-term drinking water advisories in British Columbia, and today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to ensure that First Nation communities can turn their taps on to clean drinking water. We will get this done in partnership with First Nations. The will is there, the capacity is growing, and people are truly committed to finding long-term solutions”.

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“We, as Semiahmoo First Nation are very pleased and honoured to have INAC Minister Bennett visit our community as well as her continued dedication to resolve our water quality and sanitary sewer issues. As elected leadership of Semiahmoo, I see the resolution of both our water supply and sewer servicing as relatively simple to resolve, through cooperative and respectful working relationships with both INAC and our two neighbouring municipalities.

We are pleased with the support we are receiving from INAC for funding for design of water and wastewater services for the Nation. This gives us the ability to design a system that will be able to deliver clean, safe drinking water and wastewater sewer servicing to our Nation’s members, the servicing that residents of Surrey currently enjoy. We are also pleased that INAC is assisting us in our discussions with the City of Surrey as we negotiate a service agreement for our community.”

Chief Harley Chappell
Semiahmoo First Nation

Quick Facts

• The Semiahmoo First Nation is located just north of the Canada – U.S. border.
• As of June 1, 2017, Semiahmoo is one of seven BC First Nations with long-term Drinking Water Advisories affecting federally-funded systems. Other communities include Bonaparte, Stellat’en First Nation, T’it’q’et, Tl’azt’en Nation, Wet’suwet’en, and Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government. The Government of Canada is also working with these First Nations to address their advisories.
• Since November 2015, Government of Canada investments have supported the removal of seven long-term drinking water advisories in BC First Nations including drinking water advisories for the communities of Toosey and Siska which were recently lifted.
• Budget 2016 is providing $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation, maintenance, and support the training of water system operators, in addition to $141.7 million over five years to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Improving Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in First Nation Communities
• Progress towards eliminating long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities

Associated Links

• Drinking Water Advisories in First Nation Communities
• Infographic: 3 steps for resolving drinking water issues in First Nation communities
• Lifecycle Process for an Infrastructure project
• Statement from Minister Bennett: Government of Canada Steadfast in Commitment to End Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories On Reserve
• Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
• Budget 2017
• Investing in Canada: The $186 Billion Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Contacts

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

INAC Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

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