Policy

The official position of the Advanced Aboriginal Water Treatment Team (AAWTT) regarding the federal engagement sessions for an "Action Plan on First Nations Drinking Water" will be released on world water day, March 22^nd, 2009.  If you would like to have a copy e-mailed to you upon its release please contact info@safewater.org.

SDWF is committed to supporting public policies that help people access safe drinking water. We believe that practical policies based on sound science are the best way to ensure that everyone drinks safe water. With over a decade of technical expertise and experience working with rural communities, we educate and inform First Nations, policy-makers and the public to build support for the right policies.

Letter Writing Campaign

In the past, we have conducted letter-writing campaigns to political parties, MPs and provincial MLAs. Since 1998, we have sent over 85 letters to decision-makers to build awareness about drinking water issues. By building awareness and commitment to safe drinking water policy, we work to ensure that these issues are given the place they deserve on the public agenda.

Media Publications

We work to bring public attention to safe drinking water issues in the media. We have published articles in magazines such as Canadian Water Treatment, ReNew, Aboriginal Times and the Canadian Medical Association Journal. We have also given many interviews on national radio and television. These articles provide important information on issues such as water treatment and regulatory reform.

First Nations Drinking Water

We are currently focusing our public policy work on First Nations drinking water. While many rural communities face similar challenges to provide safe drinking water, the situation in First Nations communities is especially difficult. Since 1995, a number of reports have highlighted the unacceptable situation in these communities. Health Canada still tells 95 communities to boil their water and Indian Affairs says that there is a good chance that water systems in 85 communities could break down. Without a proper regulatory framework and enough resources, First Nations will continue to face this risk to public health. We work with First Nations to improve public policies to make sure that First Nations get the system and resources they need.

Write to Your MP and/or MLA!

Write to your MP and/or MLA to tell them your concerns regarding drinking water.  You may want to convey to them the importance of regulations for drinking water rather than guidelines and tell them how concerned you are about the quality of drinking water in First Nation and rural communities.