GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO RESOLVE SITUATION IN KASHECHEWAN

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 27, 2005 - The Government of Canada has announced an action plan to assure the health of residents of Kashechewan and the long term well being and sustainability of their community. Details of the plan were revealed after a meeting between the Minister of Indian Affairs and First Nations leaders in Ottawa this evening.

"We are working with our partners to improve not only water quality but the quality of life in Kashechewan," said Andy Scott, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "A successful resolution of this situation requires a collective effort, and tonight’s meeting is an important commitment to that process."

The plan includes steps to support the residents of Kashechewan by providing the following:

• increased and accelerated integrated health services;
• shipments of bottled water;
• stepped-up water monitoring;
• stabilization and long-term fix of water treatment facilities;
• additional water safety in the community through the deployment of a portable water purification system (mini-DART);
• deployment of certified water treatment operators;
• availability of federal facilities to house evacuees;
• additional housing; and
• enhanced social services.

The Government of Canada is also strengthening the $1.6B First Nations Water Management Strategy, including accelerating the development of a regulatory and testing regime for all reserves.

"We commend Chief Friday of Kasheshewan for bringing national attention to a national issue," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine. "We’ve agreed to a comprehensive response to the drinking water crisis in Kasheshewan as well as the beginnings of a national strategy to address the critical needs across the country."

"The community has suffered long enough. A lot of people didn’t expect this to happen. I am so thankful that it is," said Chief Leo Friday. "I’d like to thank National Chief Phil Fontaine, Dr. Murray Trussler, Charlie Angus, M.P., Grand Chief Stan Louttit, and Nabil Batrouny. Also I’d like to thank my deputy chief and council and the people of Kashechewan."

For further information, please contact:

Campbell Morrison
Press Secretary
Minister Andy Scott's Office
INAC
(819) 997-0002

A Plan to assure the health of residents of Kashechewan and the long-term well being and sustainability of their community.