Merasty Raises Canoe Lake Water Crisis In Commons

Merasty Raises Canoe Lake Water Crisis In Commons

Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 14:16

The water situation in Canoe Lake came up during question period in the House of Commons today.

The community is without water after sewage leaked into its water supply earlier this week.

Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Gary Merasty used his maiden speech in the House to ask Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice when the Conservatives are going to commit to desperately needed funding for the maintenance and expansion of on-reserve sewer and water facilities.

Merasty noted that the Kelowna Accord signed by the previous Liberal regime in November anticipated these concerns and had earmarked $400 million for water and other infrastructure.

Merasty added that while Prentice recently announced that the Tories would make sure there are certified workers and appropriate training on reserves, he didn’t talk about malfunctioning or outdated equipment.

Prentice responded by saying that the federal government responded to the situation in Canoe Lake immediately, and that it is being resolved.