Government pledges $1.2M to end water advisories in 8 Treaty #3 communities

The federal government announced Friday funding forwater infrastructure projects with the goal of ending long-term water advisories in eight Grand Council Treaty #3 communities.

KenoraMP Bob NaultandCarolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, announced the $1.2 million in funding in Kenora. The goal of the funding is to end long-term water advisories in the communities by March, 2021and prevent new advisories from occurring.

"Our government made a commitment during the election to end boil water advisories, and today's announcement is another step in the right direction, as we work to ensure that all First Nations have access to clean and safe drinking water," Nault said in a media release.

Studies, infrastructure projects to be funded

The funding will go to water feasibility studies inWauzhushk Onigum, Grassy Narrows,Northwest Angle #33,Northwest Angle #37, Shoal Lake #40 andObashkaandagaang.

Wabauskangand Bimose, meanwhile, will use their share of the funds for infrastructure projects.

"This is fantastic news for the eight communities in our riding," Nault said."I am happy to see our government working with the First Nations to end these boil water advisories and improve the quality of life for everyone living on-reserve."