Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and Constance Lake First Nation Partner to Deliver Safe Drinking Water

June 21, 2016 – Constance Lake First Nation, ON – Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, along with Constance Lake First Nation Chief Rick Allen, announced the grand opening of a new water treatment plant that will deliver clean and safe drinking water to the community.

The new water treatment plant will lift a boil water advisory that has been in place since April 2014, once maintenance of the distribution system is completed this summer.

The Government of Canada provided $5.8 million toward the design and construction of the new water treatment plant. The First Nation contributed $933,087 and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change provided $820,000.

The Government of Canada is moving forward with a new long-term strategy to address important water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure issues in First Nations communities. Over the next five years, the Government is investing $1.8 billion to First Nations communities to address health and safety needs, ensure essential facility operation and maintenance, and end long-term boil water advisories on reserves within five years.

Quotes

"Access to clean and reliable drinking water is something all Canadians expect. The opening of this new water treatment plant means that Constance Lake First Nation community is able to become healthier and more sustainable. Our government remains committed to furthering reconciliation by partnering with First Nations to end long-term drinking water advisories on reserve within five years."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

"Ontario is proud to partner with the Constance Lake First Nation and the Government of Canada to fund this important clean drinking water project. We will continue to work with First Nations communities and the federal government to make sure on-reserve communities can also enjoy safe, clean and protected drinking water."

The Honourable Glen Murray,
Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

"My community and I are delighted to celebrate the grand opening of our new water treatment plant today. Working in partnership with the Government of Canada and Ontario has resulted in this is a positive step forward towards improving the quality of life for the residents of our growing community."

Chief Rick Allen,
Constance Lake First Nation