Ten First Nations with decade-long boil water advisories in place

Nearly half of the 133 First Nations in Ontario currently have boil water advisories, and it has been more than 10 years since 10 First Nations in northwestern Ontario had clean drinking water. In an email response to a CBC interview, a spokesperson for Health Canada said, in part, “In addition to the measures regarding water quality sampling, monitoring and surveillance programs... Health Canada Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) regularly visit First Nations communities to conduct public health program activities and provide training as necessary.” Neskantaga First Nation is one of the First Nations that has had a boil water advisory in place for more than 10 years. Chief Peter Moonias said he has been approached by charities and private companies offering help, but “we don’t want to leave the government off the hook...when they have the obligation to do that. The government is responsible to provide that service.”