Torry: Time to fix water infrastructure in Indigenous communities – Calgary Herald
Jul 17, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and provincial governments across Canada are looking for ways to manage any economic hardship. Part of their assorted strategies has been to build new, or repair, existing infrastructure. The federal government now has an opportunity to stimulate the economy, while correcting a heinous historical injustice. It’s time to build the required infrastructure to provide all Indigenous communities in Canada with clean drinking water and reliable sewer systems.
According to Indigenous Services Canada, there are currently 61 long-term drinking water advisories in effect in Indigenous communities across Canada; some of these advisories have been in effect for years, even decades. In addition, 65 per cent of inspected sewer systems in Indigenous communities were identified as medium or high overall risk. This is the result of years of federal neglect and inadequate programs, resources and infrastructure.
