Mr. Speaker, our communities face a wide range of challenges each and every day and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs strives in a number of different ways to support community governments in dealing with these challenges. To this end, I am very pleased to advise Members of this Assembly that Municipal and Community Affairs has established a water licence contribution program to provide assistance to community governments that are going through the process of renewing their water licences.
Requirements for water licence applications have become more rigorous and as a result, community governments are challenged to adequately meet them. We are all keenly aware of the importance of safe water sources and systems in the post-Walkerton world. In order to limit liability, land and water boards are seeking greater assurances regarding the safety of the overall system. This, in turn, results in a requirement for specialized expertise including engineering and technical services.
Several communities that are going through the application renewal process have approached the department to seek assistance and support. Although communities are responsible to budget and plan for all aspects of providing municipal services, the new requirements have in some cases caught communities off guard when their planning has been based on outdated expectations. Municipal and Community Affairs have assisted communities on a case-by-case basis and, at the same time, have recognized that this is the shape of things to come. Many community governments will face the same challenges when their licences come up for renewal and they must go through the new application process.
Therefore, through internal departmental reallocations, Municipal and Community Affairs have established the water licence contribution fund. Community governments can apply for financial support in accordance with the eligibility criteria that are outlined in the department's water licence contribution policy. Community governments are eligible to receive funding under this policy during years when their water licences are up for renewal, and there is a requirement for considerable research and technical work needed in order to meet application requirements. In addition, community governments will be able to apply when unforeseen measures are required by a regulatory body in order to comply with licence requirements.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative supports the intent of the draft framework for managing drinking water quality in the Northwest Territories, which has been prepared by the departments of Municipal and Community Affairs, Public Works and Services, Health and Social Services and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that my department is able to provide community government with this additional type of support and I look forward to working with all of our partners to ensure the safety of the water supply for all Northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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