B.C. interior First Nation drinking water project wraps

Williams Lake, B.C. – Canada’s Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Carolyn Bennett, has announced the completion of the installation of a new water treatment and distribution system for the Esk’etemc First Nation in British Columbia.

The $5.17-million system, paid for by the federal government under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2015, provides drinking water for 118 homes, the community Band Office, school, fire hall, church, and health centre.

The new system has resulted in the removal of the boil water advisory that has been in place since 2004, indicates a media statement issued April 26.

The Esk’etemc First Nation is located 54 kilometres south of Williams Lake, in the central-interior of British Columbia.

Infrastructure projects valued at $4.6 billion for indigenous communities stemming from the 2016 federal budget will include:

• $1.8 billion over five years to support clean drinking water and the treatment of wastewater on reserve;

• $969.4 million over five years for First Nation education facilities;

• $732 million over two years to address housing needs on reserve and in Inuit and northern communities;

• $255 million over two years for other First Nations community infrastructure including roads, bridges, energy systems, connectivity, disaster mitigation and fire protection;

• $409 million over five years to improve waste management on reserves;

• $270.2 million over five years to expand and enhance health facilities in First Nations communities;

• $29.4 million over one year for repairs and renovations of Indigenous early learning and child care facilities;

• $76.9 million over two years to support the construction of cultural and recreational facilities on reserves; and

• $10.4 million over three years for renovations and the construction of new shelters for victims of family violence in First Nations communities.