Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My Member’s statement today is on the water treatment plant and plans in Jean Marie. Firstly I’d be remiss not to thank Minister Robert C. McLeod, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, for the tour in the Nahendeh riding this spring.
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And also for the second day in a row I find out how a Minister’s statement is appropriate to my issue.
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The Minister this morning spoke about health, sustainable communities, and as well as the key issue for Jean Marie, which is a stronger, safer community. Just about a year ago I spoke in this House about the quality of the drinking water in Jean Marie and once again this spring people in Jean Marie River are facing discoloured water when they turn on their taps. Although this water passes the current safety guidelines, it is still unpleasant and unpalatable to the people.
I understand that Jean Marie will get an upgrade and a proper water treatment plant sometime next year, but right now, however, the community needs a temporary solution for this coming fall, winter, and through the spring season until this plant is constructed.
I am told that the military has portable units to ensure the safety and clarity of drinking water. These can be set up reasonably quickly and serve a population the size of Jean Marie River. It would be valuable for Municipal and Community Affairs to have such information on these units and to have even these units available for emergencies and situations such as I am describing.
I think that more needs to be done to ensure that smaller communities have the support they need to make sure that the water is safe and palatable for the people.