Maskwacis spearheads resolution to stop passage of safe drinking water bill

Wanda Baptiste’s call for support from the chiefs across Canada resulted in the passage of Resolution 47 on the final day of the general assembly for the Assembly of First Nations.

Baptiste, a special project liaison worker at Maskwacis Cree, was pleased to get the support for the last-minute resolution that calls for the federal government to suspend any further discussions in parliament for Bill S-11, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.

The passage of the resolution adds the collective voice of the AFN to the voices of First Nations across the country, who are struggling to maintain clean and sufficient water supplies on reserve.

Baptiste spent the morning of the final day of the three-day event circulating through regional caucus rooms, explaining the resolution to chiefs and telling the story of a water crisis Hobbema communities are currently dealing with.

“We only have enough water to last for the next five years,” said Baptiste.

Baptiste, who is in charge of overseeing the water demands of the central Alberta First Nations of Samson, Ermineskin, Louis Bull and Montana bands, says the water license granted for the four bands to have access to Red Deer River is not enough for the growing population of approximately 13,000 people.

Bill S-11, which is currently going through the second reading in the Senate, would create a federal regulation to the standard of water on First Nations reserves across Canada. Although 114 First Nations communities are under a drinking water advisory, changes need to be made according to terms set up by leaders, said Baptiste.
“A lot of First Nations should be concerned. It’s about coming onto our reserves and telling us what to do with our water,” said Baptiste.

Chief Ralph Paul said his own reserve of English River First Nation in Saskatchewan is noticing that the levels of uranium in their water supply are affecting the levels of fish.

“Without water you may as well give up. You can’t live without it,” said Paul, following Baptiste’s presentation. He threw his full support behind Resolution 47.

When the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act was first introduced into parliament on May 26, many Aboriginal reserves argued they should be responsible for creating their own regulations. They also hold that provincial drinking water standards are not high enough.

Another concern voiced is the ability of First Nations to financially support the manpower and infrastructure is needed to comply with the bill.

Availability of finances is a particular concern for Baptiste. She said the four Hobbema nations have two water treatment operators who service all four communities. According to Baptiste, once residents become trained in managing the water treatment facilities, they rarely remain satisfied with their $10 an hour wage and leave to work for the city of Edmonton who pays double what the reserves can afford.

Despite the widespread support from the chiefs at the AFN general assembly, which boasted over 2,000 registrants, Indian and Northern Affairs   Canada said it had no plans to suspend the controversial bill.

“The government of Canada has maintained an open dialogue with First Nations in addressing water issues throughout the last two years,” said INAC spokeswoman Margot Geduld in response to the passing of the safe drinking water resolution. “Consultation with First Nations and stakeholders will continue as Bill S-11 moves through parliament.”