National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems – 2009-2011
Starting in 2016-2017, Budget 2016 is investing an additional $1.8 billion over five years to address health and safety needs, ensure proper facility operation and maintenance, and end long-term drinking water advisories on reserves within five years.
The National Assessment is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of water and wastewater systems serving 571 participating First Nations that was conducted between 2009 and 2011. On July 14, 2011, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development announced the results of the assessment, enabling First Nations and the Department to focus resources on priorities and improve the provision of safe drinking water in First Nation communities.
The following page contains:
- a closer look at understanding the results
- the National Assessment roll-up reports (national and community)
- the Department's response to the results of the National Assessment
Understanding the Results of the national assessment
The national assessment results provide a substantial amount of information, much of which is fairly complicated and technical in nature. To help clarify the results and what they mean to First Nations, the Department has developed a series of informative fact sheets, including:
- Understanding the results
- an overview of the department's water protocols
- an explanation of how risk levels were assessed
- the importance of capacity and training and the Circuit Rider Training Program
- a clarification of the roles and responsibilities of First Nations and the government in the water assessment and monitoring process
These fact sheets are supported by a list of detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing all aspects of the national assessment process.
Reports
The results of the assessment are compiled by individual community, as well as regionally and nationally. While the reports are fairly lengthy and contain meticulous details, a series of fact sheets have been developed to summarize the results and explain what they mean to First Nation communities across Canada.
The detailed regional and national reports are available below, each with an accompanying fact sheet:
National Report
Regional Reports
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada's Response to the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems – 2009-2011
In response to the findings and recommendations of the national assessment, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada has developed a response plan, which builds on existing programs and initiatives to support First Nation communities in providing residents with safe, reliable, and healthy drinking water.
What Information is Available?
- Department's Response Plan to the National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems
- FAQs
- Fact Sheet – Understanding the National Assessment Results
- Fact Sheet – Risk Assessment of Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nation Communities
- Fact Sheet – Departmental Water Protocols
- Circuit Rider Training Program
- Fact Sheet – Roles and Responsibilities