Mishkeegogamang First Nation has successfully ended long-term and short-term drinking water advisories, continuing progress towards the federal governments pledge to end long-term DWAs.
Yesterday afternoon, Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, shared progress on this commitment. Mishkeegogamang First Nation has lifted short- and long-term drinking water advisories that have affected this community since 2016.
“Every Canadian deserves access to clean drinking water. I am pleased to see progress on our commitment to end all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve,” said Philpott.
Upon Indigenous Services Canada’s recommendation, Mishkeegogamang First Nation in Ontario lifted a long-term drinking water advisory on December 19. The advisory had been in effect since October 18, 2016. On December 20, a second drinking advisory that had been in effect since July 28, 2017 was also lifted.
“I would specifically like to commend the people of Mishkeegogamang First Nation for their perseverance while this advisory remained in place,” Philpott said. “We are determined to work with partners to ensure that all First Nations communities enjoy accessible, clean drinking water.”
As part of its plan to improve water and wastewater infrastructure at Mishkeegogamang First Nation, the Canada invested $388,000 to support repairs to treatment processes in the community, including a replacement of nano-filters, as well as other work on electrical and mechanical systems.
Between November 2015 and December 2017, 31 long-term DWAs were lifted on public water systems financially supported by Indigenous Services Canada through the work done in partnership with First Nation communities and partners. Twenty-two drinking water advisories were added during that same time. Currently, there are 68 long-term drinking water advisories affecting public systems that receive financial support from Indigenous Services Canada.
