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INAC Press Release from http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/m-a2006/2-02782_e.html

MINISTER PRENTICE PRAISES EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (August 16, 2006) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, today praised progress made to improve water quality on First Nation reserves in northwestern Ontario.

"Earlier this year, I stated that all Canadians, regardless of where they live, should have access to safe, clean drinking water," said Minister Prentice.  "In Ontario, First Nations are working with Canada's new government and other partners to reach this goal."

Some projects currently under way in Ontario include:

• Kasabonika Lake First Nation has completed construction of a new $5 million water treatment plant upgrade.
• Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining (Oh-chee-chag'-way Bab'-eego In'-ing) First Nation is constructing a new $4.4 million water treatment plant.
• Cat Lake First Nation has completed a $1.2 million upgrade to their water treatment plant.
• Chapleau Ojibway First Nation has commissioned a new $856,000 water treatment plant, replacing its current plant.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada invested approximately $11.3 million in these projects, and the First Nations managed the design and construction of these plants.

On March 21, 2006, Minister Prentice announced a plan of action to address concerns over the safety of drinking water for First Nations communities.  This plan includes:

• implementation of a Protocol for Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Communities;
• mandatory training for all water treatment plant operators and a regime to ensure that all water systems have the oversight of certified operators;
• complete remedial plans for First Nation communities with serious water issues, starting with 21 communities most at risk;
• a expert panel to advise on the appropriate regulatory framework; and
• a clear commitment to report progress on a regular basis.

Since 2003, INAC has invested more than $168 million in upgrading and building new water plant systems in Ontario.  In 2006-2007, it will focus on investing and assisting First Nations in:

• meeting water standards and regulations;
• inspection and compliance; and
• capacity development at the community level.

The Kasabonika Lake First Nation, which is located approximately 570 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, has a total of 910 members, 882 of whom live on reserve

The Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining First Nation, near Kenora, has a total of 323 members, 119 of whom live on reserve.

The Cat Lake First Nation, located about 180 kilometres north of Sioux Lookout, has a total of 591 members, 493 of whom live on reserve.

The Chapleau Ojibway First Nation, near Chapleau, has a total of 38 members, 30 of whom live on reserve.- 30 -

This release is also available at: www.inac.gc.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Prudori
Communications Officer
INAC Communications
(807) 624-1535

Chief Elsie Gray
Cat Lake First Nation
(807) 347-2100
Chief Gordon Anderson
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
(807) 535-2547

Chief Vernon Barry Henry
Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Inning First Nation
(807) 548-5876

Chief Anita Stephens
Chapleau Ojibway First Nation
(705) 864-2910