CPAC Screenshot
Despite a pre-election pledge to lift all boil water advisories in First Nations communities by the end of this month, the federal government is still boasting about its response to the crisis.
Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says there were 105 long-term drinking water notices when they formed government in November 2015, no tracking of how many advisories existed or plans for each one to resolve it.
“Funding was short-term and didn’t allow for long-term planning. Most importantly there was no commitment to fix the issue.”
Miller says 101 notices have now been lifted under the Trudeau Liberals.
He notes the government is making investments in expanding water infrastructure and operations, maintenance and training programs.
Miller says the Fall Economic Statement committed $1.5 billion in new funding to ensure all Indigenous communities have cleaning drinking water.
It also included $114 million per year to increase support for daily operations and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure on reserves.
Miller says there are now 58 remaining advisories that remain in place in 38 communities.
“63.5% have been lifted. 20% have projects that will help lift drinking water advisories under construction. 10.7% have lift recommendations in place. Which means that projects are complete and that communities are in the very last stages before actually lifting the water advisory.”
Miller says projects are in place and work is currently underway to address each remaining advisory in a timely and sustainable way that aligns with the communities priorities.
He notes more work remains and that’s why they’ve launched an online tool to track their progress.
“The new website demonstrates the progress communities have made since 2015, the investments provided, and outlines the work that still needs to be done to achieve clean drinking water. It breaks down all remaining work community-by-community and will be continuously updated.”
