OTTAWA, October 27, 2005 -- The Government of Canada has announced an
action plan to assure the health of residents of Kashechewan and the long term
well being and sustainability of their community. Details of the plan were
revealed after a meeting between the Minister of Indian Affairs and First
Nations leaders in Ottawa this evening.
"We are working with our partners to improve not only water quality but
the quality of life in Kashechewan," said Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and
Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "A
successful resolution of this situation requires a collective effort, and
tonight's meeting is an important commitment to that process."
The plan includes steps to support the residents of Kashechewan by
providing the following:
increased and accelerated integrated health services;
shipments of bottled water;
stepped-up water monitoring;
stabilization and long-term fix of water treatment facilities;
additional water safety in the community through the deployment of a
portable water purification system (mini-DART);
deployment of certified water treatment operators;
availability of federal facilities to house evacuees;
additional housing; and
enhanced social services.
The Government of Canada is also strengthening the $1.6B First Nations
Water Management Strategy, including accelerating the development of a
regulatory and testing regime for all reserves.
"We commend Chief Friday of Kasheshewan for bringing national attention
to a national issue," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil
Fontaine. "We've agreed to a comprehensive response to the drinking water
crisis in Kasheshewan as well as the beginnings of a national strategy to
address the critical needs across the country."
"The community has suffered long enough. A lot of people didn't expect
this to happen. I am so thankful that it is," said Chief Leo Friday. "I'd like
to thank National Chief Phil Fontaine, Dr. Murray Trussler, Charlie Angus,
M.P., Grand Chief Stan Louttit, and Nabil Batrouny. Also I'd like to thank my
deputy chief and council and the people of Kashechewan."
A Plan to assure the health of residents of Kashechewan and the long-term
well being and sustainability of their community.
The Government of Canada is committed to the development and delivery of
this plan in a partnership of consultation, engagement and shared decision-
making with the people and leadership of Kashechewan.
1. Water
Guarantee of pure water in ample supply for drinking and bathing for the period of time that it is required;
Stabilization of the water treatment system as soon as possible and
assurance of its reliability for the near and medium term;
Utilization of DND water purification capacity;
Completion of the engineering and environmental work necessary to
assure a long-term reliable water fix for the community. The
Government of Canada will take any and all measures necessary to
ensure safe drinking water including, as required, addressing the
water intake issue, the waste water treatment process and location
issue, possible use of alternative technologies, and major upgrade
or building of new water treatment plant;
Certified operators will be available to meet community needs until
local operators are fully trained;
Engagement of Province of Ontario water management expertise;
Increasing the frequency of water monitoring.
2) Health:
Accelerate efforts with First Nations and the Province of Ontario
to reach an agreement by April 2006, to create a First Nations
Health Organization that will better integrate health services on
the James Bay Coast, and be more responsive to the unique health
needs of communities in the region. This will result in major
improvements to health services for the First Nations, including
the residents of Kashechewan.
Immediate measures will build on recent investments and:
increase the number of nurses in Kashechewan to twelve, including
the appropriate accommodations to improve primary health care
services;
provide the full array of routine childhood and adult-required
immunizations; and
install a telehealth-enabled x-ray system.
3) Housing:
Funding will be made available for 50 new units to be built in 2006
in a new sub-division of the community, in a location most
conducive to stable, healthy housing and the long-term well being
of the community;
Additional funding for up to 50 new housing units will be made
available in subsequent years to further the strategy of stable,
healthy living accommodation;
Funding will be made available in 2005 and 2006 for
repairs/renovations to a minimum of 60 houses.
4) School:
Immediate, independent assessment of the Kashechewan school to
determine measures needed (renovation or new build - and appropriate
location if new build) to meet community needs.
5) Social:
Enhance child, youth and family services;
Enhance counselling, psychological supports and youth outreach;
Enhance family violence and suicide prevention services;
Availability of federal facilities to house evacuees, and
Conduct a census of the community.
First Nations Water Management Strategy:
The Government of Canada is implementing a $1.6 billion First Nation
Water Management Strategy to address crucial elements of sound water quality
management using a multi-barrier approach. The strategy will improve the
quality of life of the First Nations people through the provision of clean,
safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services in First Nations
communities, as well as enhance the capacity of First Nations to manage water
and wastewater systems.
The seven part strategy includes:
upgrading and building water and wastewater facilities;
effective water quality monitoring combined with a comprehensive
and coordinated compliance and reporting regime;
an effective and sustainable operation and maintenance program
designed to ensure the quality of water supplies;
continued expansion and enhancement of operator training and
certification programs;
integrated water quality management protocols;
a public awareness campaign targeted at First Nation leaders,
administrators and individual householders;
and the establishment of a set of clearly defined standards,
comprehensive protocols and policies.
As a result of the Strategy, the number of high-risk water systems will
be reduced from an estimated 29% in 2003 to zero by March 2008. In addition,
the number of medium-risk systems will be reduced from 46% to 16%. Since 2003,
the number of certified operators for both water and wastewater treatment
systems has increased from 8% to 39%. Also, 86% of all current operators have
received training.
In addition, the Government of Canada will:
Accelerate the development of a regulatory and testing regime, working
in cooperation with First Nation leadership;
Accelerate plans to have certified water operators available to support
communities, while continuing to train local operators.
For further information:
Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Minister Andy Scott's Office, INAC
(819) 997-0002
This release and the plan are also available on the Internet at
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca .
