Samson Cree Nation and Government of Canada mark start of construction of $32.5 million wastewater facility upgrade with sod-turning ceremony

MASKWACIS, AB, May 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Working in partnership with First Nation communities, investing in on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure is a priority for Indigenous Services Canada and the federal government. 

Today, the Honourable 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.

The facility will be upgraded to include a new pumping station for wastewater collection and treatment and is Samson's largest federally-funded infrastructure project to date.

The Government of Canada is pleased to support this project with a $32.5 million investment. This includes funding for construction, project management and First Nation administration. This project is expected to be completed in the winter of 2020.

Quotes

"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.

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Indigenous Services

"We are very excited about this wastewater project as it will have positive effects on our Nation's environment. 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."

Chief Vernon J. Saddleback
Samson Cree Nation

Quick Facts

• Reliable infrastructure, such as water and wastewater infrastructure, is one of Indigenous Services Canada's five key priority areas.
• Budget 2016 provides $1.8 billion over five years to significantly improve on-reserve water and wastewater infrastructure, ensure proper facility operation and maintenance, and support training of water system operators. In addition, Budget 2016 included $141.7 million over five years in new funding to improve drinking water monitoring and testing on reserve.
• Budget 2018 proposes an additional $172.6 million over three years to ensure more infrastructure projects can be completed prior to 2021. Budget 2018 also proposes support for repairs to high risk water systems; recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models.

Associated Links

• Indigenous Services Canada: The path forward
• Ending long-term drinking water advisories in First Nation communities
• Department of Indigenous Services Canada provides update on commitment to end long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve
• Lifecycle Process for an Infrastructure project
• Budget 2016: A Better Future for Indigenous Peoples
• Budget 2017
• Budget 2018

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada