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Canada — Release of the Results of the National Assessment ofFirst Nations Water and Wastewater Systems

July 15, 2011 Comments off

Release of the Results of the National Assessment ofFirst Nations Water and Wastewater Systems
Source: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

Since 2006, our Government has made important and strategic infrastructure investments to support First Nations in operating their water and wastewater systems. These investments have supported significant progress, however access to clean and safe water remains a serious concern. Our Government is strongly committed to the health and safety of all Canadians. That is why I am here today.

I am releasing the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems — a comprehensive, independent, third-party evaluation. We are the first government to ever commission a national assessment of this kind.

The size and scope of the assessment are unprecedented — more than 4,000 on-reserve water, wastewater, well and septic systems were rated against an extensive set of criteria.

The rating is based on the overall system management risk. It looks at whether a system’s design or mechanical features are up to modern standards, for example. Or if operators are fully certified.

The report gives us a more complete picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead. It also shows that more needs to be done, especially in areas like capacity and monitoring. That is why this Government has and will continue to work toward introducing legislation which will support the creation of enforceable standards. Right now, the Government has in place water and wastewater protocols. They do help to ensure that people on reserve have access to safe water; but these protocols are not effective if they are not linked to enforceable regulations.

+ Full Report

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