Local First Nation leadership pleased with government investment in water treatment facilities

Federal and provincial governments investment of over $200,000 in five projects in Batchewana and Garden River communities helps provide clean water and protect waterways

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NEWS RELEASE

TERRY SHEEHAN, SAULT MP

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The governments of Canada and Ontario are committed to investing in local infrastructure which ensures Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services that meet their needs.

These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect waterways and preserve our local ecosystems.

On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie today announced that five new projects in Batchewana and Garden River First Nation communities have been approved under the Government of Canada’s Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.

The federal government is providing $134, 820 and the provincial government is providing $67, 410 to these essential water infrastructure projects, keeping our waterways clean and our communities healthy and livable.

Quotes

“Investing in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to maintaining a healthy environment and providing access to clean, reliable drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipalities across the country to support important projects like those in Batchewana and Garden River First Nation communities, to ensure healthy and sustainable water infrastructure now and for years to come.”

- The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This announcement is about infrastructure. But what do infrastructure investments actually mean for the riding of Sault Ste. Marie? It’s about quality of life. It’s about what we promised as a government – that we would close the gaps between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Access to reliable water and wastewater systems is essential for ALL Canadians, and this is why I am thrilled to see these investments being made.”

- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

"The leadership of Batchewana are elated by this announcement. Our People have known for many years that our water systems are sub - standard and everyone is deserving of quality water. We are looking forward to the opportunity to share our unique story in particular, as it relates to the Old Garden River Road area of Batchewana."

- Chief Dean Sayers, Batchewana First Nation

“Here in our community, Garden River First Nation, we are so pleased to see tangible results and direct benefits this funding has provided to our residents. We are optimistic about the many ways these much needed investments will continue to enhance the quality of treatment to our groundwater and provide for future generations. The health and well-being of our community is paramount, working with Terry and seeing the government listens to our needs and takes action, has been quite rewarding.”

- Chief Paul Syrette, Garden River First Nation

Quick facts

The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
$21.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Ontario is making the largest investment in hospitals, schools, public transit, roads, bridges, water and wastewater in the province's history – more than $190 billion in public infrastructure over 13 years, starting in 2014–15. To learn more about what's happening in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

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