“As community leaders and evacuees return home this morning, I would like to commend Chief Moonias and council for their strength and leadership during this difficult time. Bob Nault
KENORA – Today, the Hon. Bob Nault, Liberal candidate for the Kenora Riding, released the following statement regarding Neskantaga First Nation’s return home.
“I was extremely happy to learn that community members of Neskantaga First Nation will be returning home beginning today, after evacuating due to a water emergency caused by a failure of the water pumps in the community. A little over a week ago, water testing in the community triggered a Do Not Consume advisory, but now that testing confirmed that the water quality is at acceptable levels, the Boil Water Advisory has been reinstated.
“During this difficult time, I have been communicating with Chief Moonias, as have officials at Indigenous Services Canada. Minister O’Regan also spoke to Chief Moonias reaffirming his commitment to resolve the current issue with the water pumps.
“I’m also pleased to say that Neskantaga First Nation is now in the final stages of completing construction upgrades to the existing water treatment plant as a result of an $8.8 million-dollar investment made by the Liberal Government in 2017. My understanding is that the new water treatment system will be completed in October, and I look forward to ending the longest advisory in Canada’s history. When completed the water treatment plant that will provide safe, clean, drinking water for generations to come.
“As community leaders and evacuees return home this morning, I would like to commend Chief Moonias and council for their strength and leadership during this difficult time. I would also like to reiterate my personal commitment, as well as the commitment of the government, to supporting Neskantaga as we continue to work towards the common goal of lifting the long-term boil water advisory and ensuring clean, safe, drinking water.
“As I have said repeatedly, all Northerners, regardless of where they live, deserve access to clean, safe, drinking water.”
