OTTAWA – The federal government is set to announce new mandatory training and a funding review that will curb “serious liabilities” posed by unqualified staff and aging water plants on reserves.
Indian Affairs Minister Robert Naulttold The Canadian Press announcements will come as early as June. “I think it’s important for reasons of health that all operators be certified” within three years – possibly two, Nault said. It would be the first time Indian Affairs has made such standards mandatory.
“I think the real issue is that we’ve never funded the training effectively,” Nault said..
Only about 10 per cent of native water plant managers are certified, Nault said. About 700 of 950 operators across Canada have taken basic courses. Indian Affairs will also tighten federal regulations to match the strongest provincial rules, and review whether it’s spending enough to attract good staff and maintain equipment, the minister added. “We’ve had a number of plants that have difficulties because operators just decide that they’ve had enough and they quit.” The department might set up national training centres, perhaps as part of existing colleges, Nault said.
