Yesterday, Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, congratulated Chief Mi’sel Joe and the community of Miawpukek First Nation for their work in lifting a long-term drinking water advisory.
The Miawpukek First Nation (Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi) is a Mi’kmaq community of approximately 920 members located at the mouth of the Conne River on the south coast of Newfoundland. The community was formerly known as “Conne River”.
“Water is a fundamental human need and is one of the most importance substances on earth. Having safe drinking water is essential to the health of our people and we are extremely pleased that the long standing boil advisory has ended,” said Saqamaw Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation.
Miawpukek First Nation, located at the mouth of the Conne River on the south coast of Newfoundland, lifted the long-term drinking water advisory on June 13th, 2018, following testing. The advisory had been in effect since September 10th, 2014.
“I am pleased to see another long-term drinking water advisory lifted. I would like to commend Chief Mi’sel Joe and the residents of Miawpukek First Nation for their perseverance while this advisory remained in place,” said Minister Philpott. “There is much more work ahead, and I encourage Canadians to follow progress on our commitment to lifting all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve.”
Indigenous Services Canada invested $2.4 million for improvements to the community’s water treatment plant, including upgrades to the disinfection system, a building expansion, and repairs. According to the Ministry, there are currently 74 long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems on reserve.
