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Results: 256 - 262 of 262
Jean-François Tremblay
View Jean-François Tremblay Profile
Jean-François Tremblay
2020-02-25 12:36
It's not the objective; that's for sure.
We have sometimes heard people say we're going with the short-term solution, because they would like to have a new system. We assess all the systems to make sure we have a sustainable approach. We're not eliminating the long-term advisories just for the sake of it and thinking that in two months from now they're going to come back. That's not the objective.
The solutions differ, depending on the situation. There are cases where, yes, you need to change the system. There are situations where the system can work at the moment, where we plan to change the system in maybe only four or five years from now. It's more in regard to capacity. It's more an issue of prioritization among the different solutions but among the different cases we have.
However, our goal is clear. Our goal is really to do it for the long term. That's why, over the last few budgets, the funding we received is more about the O and M, the operations and maintenance, of the existing systems and new systems that would be built.
View Gary Vidal Profile
CPC (SK)
That was exactly my follow-up. We can make the capital investments, but what I found in my former life as a water utility board member is that it was the operational side that we were struggling with—getting qualified personnel and some of those kinds of things. I expect that might be some of the challenge, even though you invest the capital.
Is that a fair conclusion?
Jean-François Tremblay
View Jean-François Tremblay Profile
Jean-François Tremblay
2020-02-25 12:37
That has been the challenge for decades in the system. As you said, it's not different from provinces. It's not different from federal infrastructure sometimes.
View Gary Vidal Profile
CPC (SK)
Do you have a good plan to deal with those operational—
Jean-François Tremblay
View Jean-François Tremblay Profile
Jean-François Tremblay
2020-02-25 12:37
On water, as I mentioned, we got a significant amount of funding over the last few years that is more about O and M than just strictly capital.
View Sylvie Bérubé Profile
BQ (QC)
Mr. Tremblay, I would like to bring you back to the issue of drinking water in Kitigan Zibi. I heard your answer on your department's general plan to resolve drinking water issues in Canada, but, more specifically, when will Kitigan Zibi residents have access to drinking water?
In my riding, in Kitcisakik, there are no sewers or a water system. What can we do? This situation has been ongoing for years.
Earlier, you said there were priorities. You said that it depended on agreements in principle concluded with those communities, but these people must still be provided with what they are entitled to. We are in a civilized country, and these people are really affected by this situation.
Jean-François Tremblay
View Jean-François Tremblay Profile
Jean-François Tremblay
2020-02-25 12:45
Yes. We have made a lot of investments to improve the situation. In some cases, like this one, it is a matter of radon contamination. Radon is a gas found naturally in the soil. It is not really something that comes from pollution. So we have to find alternative solutions. Contamination cannot always be eliminated. These things happen. Similar cases of radioactive contamination and mercury contamination have arisen in some communities.
There is no easy solutions, but there are 634 first nations communities and more than 634 water systems. There are sometimes also wells, just like in many non-indigenous communities. The problem is a complex one. As I said before, we are maintaining a close relationship with the groups to identify priorities, and we are trying to find the fastest and most effective solutions.
We have made tremendous progress, but the work is not done. We are still working on eliminating long-term advisories, as that is probably the most urgent issue. After that, it is a matter of ensuring the sustainability of systems.
Results: 256 - 262 of 262 | Page: 18 of 18

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