A scathing report has been released by Canada’s Auditor General concerning on-going boil water advisories in First Nations communities.
Karen Hogan says the support provided by Indigenous Services Canada has not been adequate to address long-standing problems with safe drinking water for many.
Hogan says drinking water notices remain a part of daily life in many aboriginal communities, with almost half of existing long-term advisories in place for more than a decade.
The audit found government efforts have been constrained by an outdated policy and formula for funding the operation and maintenance of public water systems.
In December 2020, Indigenous Services Canada acknowledged that it would not meet its target of removing all long-term drinking water advisories on public water systems in First Nations communities by March 2021.
While 100 advisories have been lifted, another 60 remain in effect.
Indigenous Service Minister Marc Miller feels they are still doing their job.
“Since 2015 we’ve worked in partnership with First Nations leadership and communities to improve access to clean drinking water. Despite the challenges we’re confident that we’re on the right path.”
To read the full report from Auditor General Karen Hogan visit Auditor General Report
