Saskatchewan reserve to get clean drinking water after more than five years
REGINA — Plans are underway to get a Saskatchewan First Nation clean water after more than five years under a drinking water advisory, and to meet a pledge to end such advisories on all reserves.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett announced $9.2 million to replace the water treatment system on the White Bear First Nation, southeast of Regina.
“I think everyone here will acknowledge it’s been a long time coming and for far too long people in your community have not had access to potable water on reserve,” Bennett said Tuesday in Regina, where the Assembly of First Nations was holding its annual meeting.
“You should still have the same right as those of us in downtown Toronto to be able to turn on the tap and drink the water and bathe your babies safely — things that most Canadians take totally for granted.”