Blog
Latest news about the Safe Drinking Water Team
The B.C. government has announced what it says is significant funding to help protect the province's freshwater supply in partnership with Indigenous people. On Monday, Nathan Cullen, B.C.'s minister of water, land and resource stewardship, said $100 million is being invested in a watershed security fund co-managed by the B.C.-First Nations Water Table (BCFNWT), which includes members from the government and B.C. First Nations.
Investment enables water, electricity, and broadband connections for community growth, housing and commercial space The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formerly Pic Mobert First Nation) have finalized their agreement for the CIB to lend $7.9 million towards critical infrastructure required for commercial and residential development that will improve living standards on reserve.
The Government of Saskatchewan is putting $1.9 million towards remote monitoring technology for rural water treatment facilities. The 10 projects will go through the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF) and the Agtech Growth Fund (AGF), run under the auspices of the Innovation Saskatchewan government agency. One of the projects will be led by Saskatoon-based Delco Water, which is working with rural municipalities and First Nations, including the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, to develop and pilot remote sensing technologies.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the shíshálh Nation Government District (sNGD) announced financial close on an agreement, which will see the CIB lend $6.4 million to support a new Port Stalashen Wastewater Treatment Plant through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative. The plant will be located on shíshálh Nation lands near Sechelt, B.C., and will play a role in enabling economic growth, protecting the coastal environment, and safeguarding public health through improving the outfall. The investment will serve the shíshálh Nation, which represents a population of more than 1,500 members, and lessees on shíshálh Nation Lands (Tsawcome) No. 1.
The federal government’s proposed 2022 budget includes millions for a first-of-its-kind Indigenous-led water authority to assume responsibility for water systems in First Nations communities. Indigenous Services Canada is set to receive $173 million in funding over 10 years to support the transfer of water and wastewater services in 17 First Nations communities in Eastern Canada to the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority. “We were optimistic about the budget submission but did not want to get ahead of ourselves leading up to the announcement. As Chief of a community that faced problems with its water for many years, (Thursday’s) announcement is a huge step in the right direction,” Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall, chair of the water authority’s board of directors said in a written statement.
Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler commented on the Manitoba's water management strategy. "We learned fast in regards to how we should be managing water with the drought in several parts of the province last year and how we managed those waters, so that we have a reliable source of good reliable safe water to drink and feed to our livestock as well," he said. "Critically important that we get it right. That's going to be part of our overall water management plan, which we've invested a million dollars in so far." The throne speech also stated that the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy will not continue to attract investment unless water is guaranteed for producers and processors.
Residents of Whycocomagh and We’koqma’q First Nation in Inverness County will have their wastewater infrastructure replaced thanks to a $5.87 million investment from the three levels of government and in partnership with the First Nation. “The province is pleased to be working with the federal government, the municipality and the First Nation to fund this much-needed wastewater treatment facility,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Brendan Maguire. “Due to the age and condition of the current facility, the system is a priority for replacement. The new facility will help keep Whycocomagh safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable for many years to come.”
