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Federal Funding For Water Treatment System In Washagamis Bay

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The Federal government continues to make significant investments to ensure all First Nations communities have clean drinking water.

Indigenous Services Canada is providing over $8-million for a new water treatment system in Washagamis Bay, near Kenora.

Kenora MP Bob Nault says they are committed to ending all boil water advisories across Canada.

Nault notes at last count there are 13 communities in his riding still under a notice.

He hints that there are six announcements that could be made in the next few months.

Nault adds it’s important to provide the funding but states it’s also critical that the government ensures there are trained employees on site once the infrastructure is in place.

Washagamis Bay Chief Marilyn Sinclair says that it’s fabulous news, and something that she’s been waiting for for a long time.

Sinclair says she remembers running water back in 1985 but stresses they have been under two long-term boil water advisories for years.

She says community members have had to get their water from a nearby lake.

Sinclair adds the announcement represents a great beginning in the development of their community in addressing their priorities as a nation.

 

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Feds Working On Rural Canada Strategy

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Work continues on developing a long term plan for rural Canada.

The Trudeau Liberals had identified the need for a strategy with the appointment of Bernadette Jordan as the new and stand-alone Minister of Rural Economic Development.

Kenora MP Bob Nault says they are looking for public feedback to form the plan, but notes several priorities have already been identified.

“Broadband, as you know, (has) been a problem for us in the North. And we can’t expect an economy to be built here if we can’t have the basic infrastructure like everybody else.”

Nault also points to a need for more affordable housing units, long-term care spaces and home care opportunities.

Nault says the government must also address ways to attract, train and retain talent.