With over a dozen of its communities still under boil water advisories, Nishnawbe Aski Nation is not satisfied with the response to a new report on water in First Nations.
The report from the Auditor General confirms that Indigenous Services Canada hasn’t given First Nations enough support to ensure safe drinking water.
However, NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says the federal government’s reply is not enough.
In response to the report, Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller says he commits to fully fund operation and maintenance costs for water and wastewater systems.
Fiddler says the way those costs are calculated gives communities less than half of what they need.
“The government’s plans for funding and resources are vague, open-ended goals without firm timelines or accountability,” Fiddler says.
He adds what First Nations need are new, clear policies to make sure funding is there to meet their needs.
