Eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021.

What success looks like

Continued progress in eliminating long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, leading to the elimination of all long-term advisories by March 2021.

Government's narrative on progress

In January 2018, the scope of the commitment to resolve additional long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWAs) was expanded. Between November 2015 and April 1, 2019, the number of LT-DWAs on public systems in First Nations communities has declined from 105 to 58. Over this period, 82 LT-DWAs were lifted, 36 new LT-DWAs were added, and one was deactivated. Work is ongoing in partnership with First Nation communities and an action plan is in place to address all 58 LT-DWAs currently in effect, as well as prevent new advisories from becoming long-term. At 58, the number of LT-DWAs affecting public drinking water systems on reserve is at its lowest level since the Government of Canada started tracking them. The Government of Canada is on track to lift these by March 2021. To support this commitment, the Government of Canada is investing in First Nation water infrastructure projects and works directly with First Nations to assist communities in monitoring drinking water quality in all water systems, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal, and reviewing infrastructure project proposals from a public health perspective. Budget 2017 provided $49.1 million over 3 years to address advisories as part of the expanded scope. Budget 2018 builds on prior investments and reaffirms the government’s commitment providing an additional $172.6 million over three years, beginning in 2018–2019, to improve access to clean and safe drinking water on reserve. Budget 2018 also proposed support for repairs to high risk water systems, recruitment, training and retention initiatives, and the establishment of innovative First Nation-led service delivery models. Budget 2019 further supports ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent long-term drinking water advisories by providing an additional $739 million over five years, beginning in 2019-20, with $184.9 million per year ongoing, funding urgent repairs to vulnerable water systems, and providing water operator training and support programs.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.