Safe Drinking Water for First Nations requires both capacity and regulatory developments

AFN press release ...

AFN National Chief Calls for Real Action on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations: Need Action to Address the "Capacity Gap as well as the Regulatory Gap"

OTTAWA, May 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo stated today that legislation introduced in Parliament on First Nations drinking water - Bill S-11- will not in its current form meet the stated objective of ensuring First Nations have access to safe drinking water.

"This legislation will create new regulations for First Nations drinking water but does not specify how First Nations will be equipped with the facilities, skills and resources to meet those regulations," said National Chief Atleo. "First Nations need infrastructure, training and support to meet the requirements of the new regulations. Regulations without the capacity and financial resources to support them will only set up First Nations to fail and to be punished for this. In my view, we must address the 'capacity gap' as well as the 'regulatory gap'. After all, the safety and health of First Nations people is the stated goal."

As of March 2010, 114 First Nations communities across the country were under Drinking Water Advisories and 49 First Nations water systems were classified as "high risk". Bill S-11, introduced in Parliament May 25, does not include a plan to reduce these unacceptably high numbers or the duration of First Nations drinking water advisories; does not help to license operators; does not provide resources to improve operations and maintenance; does not lower the number of water and wastewater treatment systems currently at risk; and could negatively impact First Nations water rights.

"Furthermore, this legislation has failed to take advantage of recommendations made by the government's own Expert Panel on Safe Drinking Water," National Chief Atleo stated. "We must build on these recommendations and move forward based on the rights of First Nations peoples and governments and design solutions in full collaboration. Our communities have a clear understanding of the real needs and challenges in delivering safe drinking water and our voices must be heard."

The National Chief noted a national audit that assesses the capacity and needs for clean drinking water in First Nations communities is underway and is near completion. This is important in order to have a full understanding of the current situation as a baseline of information. A 2006 report by the federal government's own Expert Panel on Safe Drinking Water also provides a solid starting point to address First Nations water issues.

"Every family in this country should have access to clean, safe drinking water and First Nations should not be an exception," said the National Chief.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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For further information: Alain Garon, Bilingual Communication Officer, Assembly of First Nations, (613) 241-6789 ext. 382 or cell: (613) 292-0857 or e-mail agaron@afn.ca

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From CBC.ca

First Nations water bill tabled

May 27, 2010

The federal government has introduced a bill to regulate drinking water on First Nations reserves.

This proposed legislation, tabled in the Senate by Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl, follows from the recommendations made by the auditor general's office, the expert panel on safe drinking water for First Nations and the standing Senate committee on aboriginal peoples.

The proposed safe drinking water for First Nations act would allow for the development of federal regulations for drinking water and wastewater to apply in First Nation communities.

Strahl also announced a two-year extension of the First Nations water and wastewater action plan, at a cost of $330 million.

"First Nations should expect, as do all Canadians, to have access to safe, clean drinking water," Strahl said.

Although legislation for drinking water and wastewater has been developed in provinces and territories, it does not exist in First Nation communities.

Since provinces and territories have existing regulations governing drinking water and wastewater, the federal government would review them to identify areas that can be adapted into federal regulations. At the same time, the law would allow for regional differences and recognize the unique water challenges facing many First Nation communities.

The proposed bill would:

Provide First Nation communities with drinking water and wastewater standards comparable with provincial or territorial standards off reserves.
Offer more opportunities for First Nation communities and municipalities to work together in areas such as training and sharing systems.
Establish a common base to evaluate the effectiveness of the operation, design and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
Allow for regional flexibility, as federal regulations could vary from province to province and territory to territory.

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