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“The federal government has put the lives of our people at risk.”
Those words from Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) Chief Byron Louis are the reason for legal action that was taken today.
The OKIB has filed a suit in federal court against the Canadian government over the alleged failure to ensure the safety of drinking water on the reserve.
“We have lost faith in a system that I would characterize as negligent,” said Louis.
“We are stuck in limbo between federal policy that underfunds our system and provincial infrastructure resources we cannot access.”
According to a written statement from the OKIB, the band’s water systems rely on groundwater wells that supply untreated water to hundreds of home.
When assessed in 2010, the drinking water systems were ranked an eight out of 10 on a scale of potential risk to human health.
“We are concerned that it will take a crisis like a death or sickness from contamination before the federal government takes any action – other than constant delay,” Louis added.
A waste management study in 2017 estimated that much-needed upgrades to the system would come with a $45-million price tag.
The suit asks for confirmation that First Nations have the same access to safe drinking water as other Canadians, compelling the feds to ensure infrastructure meets safety standards.
“The federal government is simply not serious about safe drinking water for First Nations communities,” said Louis.
“Our frustration is felt across our community and likely across the country by other First Nations.”
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