Water Treatment Plant Promises Clean, Fresh Water for Moosomin First Nation

Water system to address growing community needs

March 30 – Moosomin First Nation, SK – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today congratulated the community of Moosomin First Nation on the opening of their new water treatment plant. As a more efficient, less costly system, the new water treatment plant increases capacity to both meet the growing needs of the residents of Moosomin First Nation as well as to provide required fire-flow volumes for fire protection. The system also includes a built-in back-up power supply for water distribution and fire protection during power outages.

With an investment of over $5 million from the Government of Canada, the new water treatment plant will provide the community the ability to process potable drinking water that exceeds all current Canadian drinking water guidelines.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure. Previous actions include the passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, which enables the government to work with First Nations to develop regulations that will ensure First Nations have access to safe, clean drinking water similar to that enjoyed by other Canadians. These investments are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on reserve, founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.

Quotes

“Congratulations to the leadership and residents of Moosomin First Nation on the opening of a new water treatment plant. Our Government is committed to working with First Nations to support strong and healthy communities. The opening of this new water treatment plant is a great example of what can be accomplished by working together.”

– Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

“Access to safe, clean drinking water is vital to every community across Canada. This new plant for the community of Moosomin First Nation is fundamental to increase the effectiveness and reliability of water services in their community now and for years to come.”

– Gerry Ritz,
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Access to a reliable, clean and healthy water supply impacts all areas of our community, from quality of life for our members, to opportunities for economic development, to our overall safety and well being. This is an investment that will benefit everyone in our community today and for years to come.”

– Chief Bradley Swiftwolfe,
Moosomin First Nation
Related products

• Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
• First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan
• Moosomin First Nation

Contacts

Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

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