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INAC press release ...

Reporting progress on plan of action for drinking water in First Nations communities - Government Tables Expert Panel Report

To read the full report visit  http://www.eps-sdw.gc.ca/rprt/index_e.asp

     OTTAWA, Dec. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - 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.

     This news release, the progress report on the Government's plan of action, including the report of the expert panel, and more detailed information on both reports is available at http://www.inac.gc.ca

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/For further information: 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, 1-888-908-8008/

• Backgrounder - Progress Report - Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
• Backgrounder - Progress Report on 21 Priority Communities
• Progress Report Plan of Action for Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
• Summary of Report
• Frequently Asked Questions on the Final Report

Sioux Lookout Exclusive Premiere!

Muffins For Granny

"A touching story told through the eyes of a grand daughter coming to terms with her Granny's residential school experience."

• Winner of Best Documentary - Winnipeg Aboriginal Film and Video Festival, 2006
• Honourable Mention for Best Documentary - ImagineNative Film and Media-Arts Festival, 2006 in Toronto

Sunday, December 17th, 2006
Sioux Mountain Public School
7pm-9pm
Ages 14 and up

Question & Answer to follow with featured Elders and Director, writer, producer Nadia McLaren

*coffee and muffins will be served

*****

As reported by Garnet Angeconeb ... "Muffins for Granny is a great production about the legacy of the Residential School system. Don't miss it. This is a powerful production by Sioux Lookout artist Nadia McLaren."