Its an anniversary, but not one to be proud of.
In February of 1995 a boil water advisory was put in place in Neskantaga First Nation located 433 km North of Thunder Bay, and was made long-term one year later.
Now in its 29th year it remains the longest on record in Canada.
A system upgrade and expansion to the water treatment plant has been completed with testing underway according to Indigenous Services Canada.
However, Ontario New Democrat Indigenous and Treaty Relations Critic and Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa believes those upgrades can only go so far.
“I think its time we invest in a brand new facility instead of trying to upgrade the facility that is there.”
A release issued late Thursday by Indigenous Services Canada states both Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias and Minister Patty Hajdu also agree with that direction.
In addition to implementing a 12-point action plan to address the community’s immediate and long-term needs, Hajdu has committed to supporting the community for the design phase of a new plant.
“This commitment serves as a clear reminder that the Government of Canada will continue to work in true partnership with Neskantaga First Nation so that its people can trust the water coming out of the taps for generations to come. ”
Hajdu adds she and the Canadian government recognize how the advisory has had on the mental health and wellbeing of community members, noting a full generation has gone without drinking from their taps.
Two years ago Neskantaga, along with two other communities, Tataskweyak Cree Nation and Curve Lake First Nation, agreed to settle a national class action against the federal government for failing to adequately fund and provide access to clean and safe drinking water.
In the settlement Canada agreed to provide, at a minimum $6 billion to make all reasonable efforts to ensure there would be regular access to clean and safe drinking water in the homes of Individual Class Members who live on reserves.
The release concludes stating both Moonias and Hajdu are optimistic with the progress to date, and will continue to meet on a regular basis, sentiments which were reiterated in social media posts by both the Chief and Minister.
https://twitter.com/can_ndn/status/1753203655480574019