On Friday, Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services, alongside Vernon Saddleback, Chief of Samson Cree Nation, took part in a sod-turning ceremony in Samson Cree Nation to mark the start of construction to upgrade the community’s wastewater facility.
“We are very excited about this wastewater project as it will have positive effects on our Nation’s environment,” said Chief Saddleback. “Indigenous Services Canada’s financial commitment to the project and having Minister Philpott here at our sod-turning ceremony shows the commitment ISC has in maintaining their treaty relations with First Nations.”
The facility will be upgraded to include a new pumping station for wastewater collection and treatment. The project is Samson’s largest federally-funded infrastructure project to date.
Sod Turning for upgraded Waste Water Facility in Samson. @janephilpott @Min_IndServ @BruceHinkleyNDP @acahkosis @APTNNews @katherineswampy May 18, 2018. pic.twitter.com/bEGFYNj01k
— Samson Cree Nation (@SamsonCree) May 18, 2018
“Congratulations to Samson Cree Nation on this important milestone in upgrading your wastewater facilities. Infrastructure on reserve is a priority for our government and we are proud to support this project. Once completed, this facility will carry many benefits for the entire community,” said Minister Philpott.
The Government of Canada is contributing $32.5 million to this project. The funding includes allocations to construction, project management, and First Nation administration. The upgrades are expected to be completed in the winter of 2020.
For more information on Samson Cree Nation, visit the community’s website.
Cover Image Credit: Samson Cree Nation via twitter.
