In an effort to help solve the undrinkable water crisis in some First Nations communities, the federal government has launched a call for problem-solving proposals.  

The Canadian government announced on March 2, 2022, that they have launched a call for proposals for projects that address the retention, recruitment, and availability of water and wastewater operators working on reserves.  

The Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services commented on the need for safe drinking water, “Our government remains committed to improving access to clean drinking water for First Nations communities.” 

She continued, “For many of these communities in need of long-term solutions for reliable access to safe, clean water, the availability and retention of a trained water and wastewater operator plays an important part in addressing that challenge.” 

“Proposals funded through this initiative will help to address some of these barriers and support First Nations in creating and sustaining a qualified workforce of operators,” she concluded.  

Proposals need to address community-based, regional, or national issues related to building water and wastewater operator capacity in First Nations communities.  

Proposals that are delivered or offered by Indigenous communities, organizations or in partnership with Indigenous peoples, will be prioritized.  

Projects that get selected will receive up to $500,000 in funding.  

The deadline to submit a proposal is April 25, 2022.  

According to the Government of Canada, they are committed to supporting First Nations as they implement sustainable solutions that address the need for skilled operators in ways that best suit their communities. 

Since 2016, the Government of Canada has committed over $5.2 billion to build and repair water and wastewater infrastructure, and to support effective management and maintenance of water and wastewater systems on reserve.  

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Originally Appeared Here