Lloyd Longfield visits Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
July 21, 2022
Lloyd Longfield, Pam Damoff and Chief Veronica Smith with Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation residents and workers constructing the new water treatment facility
The Federal Government is working in full partnership with First Nations to continue building nation to nation relationships while supporting self-determination. This is being done while also advancing meaningful reconciliation through the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with Indigenous Peoples in Canada to advance their rights.
Concurrently, the Government of Canada continues to make progress on more tangible commitments, such as achieving clean drinking water on First Nation communities across Canada.
While 134 long-term water advisories have been lifted since 2015, 32 remain in effect. One of the remaining advisories yet to be lifted is at the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation, located on the Bruce Peninsula. It is set to be lifted upon the completion of construction of a new water treatment plant and upgrades to the existing water distribution system.
Recently, Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, and Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, visited Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation and viewed the new water treatment plant, which will improve access to safe clean drinking water for 264 homes and 20 community buildings and end the long-term drinking water advisory.
During the visit, Longfield and Damoff met with council leadership and discussed local priorities, including economic partnerships, such as marketing of medical isotopes in partnership with Bruce Power. This partnership includes the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), which is made up of two distinct First Nations, the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Saugeen First Nation.
This partnership is named “Gamzook’aamin Aakoziwin,” which translates to Fighting Cancer Together, and includes an equity stake for SON and a revenue-sharing program that provides a direct benefit.
Quotes:
“The comprehensive approach the Chippewas of Nawash are taking to providing clean drinking water to their community includes a new water treatment plant as well as replacing all main water supply lines, providing training, and improving operations and maintenance. Their passion for success and pride of place spills over into all areas of their community. Special thanks to Chief Veronica Smith and her team for their hospitality and warm welcome.”
Lloyd Longfield
Member of Parliament for Guelph
“Everyone should have access to safe, clean drinking water. Our government is investing in water and wastewater infrastructure, keeping water systems running and properly staffed, and supporting First Nations' control of water delivery. I am so pleased to see the great work being done by the Chippewas of the Nawash Unceded First Nation and look forward to the completion of this important project that will benefit the entire comminity for generations to come.“
Pam Damoff
Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington
Quick Facts:
- Everyone in Canada should have access to safe, clean drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with First Nations communities to achieve clean drinking wateron reserves. Since November 2015, 134 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, and projects are underway to address remaining advisories. Additionally, 222 short term advisories have been prevented from becoming long-term advisories during this same period of time.
- Eliminating long-term drinking water advisories is just one part of ensuring First Nations communities have reliable access to safe drinking water. The federal government is also investing in water and wastewater infrastructure, keeping water systems running and properly staffed, and supporting First Nations' control of water delivery.
- The Government of Canada remains committed to closing the infrastructure gap on First Nations by 2030, which includes through affordable housing.
- Building on more than $2.7 billion to support housing in Indigenous communities since 2015, Budget 2022 proposes $4.3 billion over seven years for improving and expanding Indigenous housing in Canada, which includes: $2.4 billion over five years to support First Nations housing on reserves.
- The federal government continues to work with Indigenous peoples to improve housing infrastructure, to support education and child care, to take action on the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
- Bruce Power and eSupply, an Indigenous-owned business, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to explore business opportunities
Contacts
Lianne Cassidy
Executive Assistant to Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph
Clint Thomas
Senior Manager, Government Relations - Corporate Affairs, Bruce Power
Michael Chegahno
Energy Manager