Circuit Rider Training Program

On this page

• About the program
• Who can access and how
• How Indigenous Services Canada supports the Circuit Rider Training Program
• Deadlines

About the program

The Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) is a capacity building program that provides training and mentoring services to operators of First Nations' drinking water and wastewater systems (water operators). Proper training and certification helps water operators reduce health risks and ensure safe drinking water in their communities.

Circuit Rider Trainers are experts that rotate through a circuit of First Nations communities, training the people responsible for operating, monitoring and maintaining drinking water and wastewater systems. These experts:

• help First Nation water operators get and maintain their certification
• may give advice to chiefs and councils on how to develop and maintain safe water systems
• may provide 24/7 emergency support to communities

The goals of the program include:

• supporting on-reserve water and wastewater system operators in developing and maintaining the capacity to manage their systems, including on-the-job training
• improving the maintenance, management and effectiveness of on-reserve drinking water and wastewater systems
• reducing the number and duration of drinking water advisories
• helping First Nations communities to maximize the service life of their water and wastewater infrastructure

Who can access and how

Any First Nation that operates a public drinking water or wastewater system is automatically enrolled in this program and can request support by a Circuit Rider Trainer at any time. For more information on how to get a Circuit Rider Trainer's support, First Nations can contact their nearest Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) regional office.

How Indigenous Services Canada supports the Circuit Rider Training Program

ISC invests approximately $24 million annually for various capacity building initiatives for water and wastewater operators in First Nations communities. This includes more than $12 million per year for the Circuit Rider Training Program.

Deadlines

There are no deadlines for this program, First Nations can join at any time.