More than 1,880 first nations homes in Canada do not have access to running water, with forty percent of these located in Northern Manitoba.
Despite promises by regional and federal leaders, the Globe and Mail reports that "the actual work to connect the communities to the water supplies has not begun."
In fact, plumbing material and equipment has not even been ordered, and with winter looming, community leaders fear that water will not arrive until 2013.
This means no sewer lines, no cistern, no toilet, no bath, no kitchen sink.
Many families have to rely on outhouses or--with winter temperatures dropping to forty below zero--latrine buckets. Diarrhea, skin infections, and influenza are common in the region.
Local medical officers have called the conditions akin to "refugee camps." The Winnipeg Free Press has called the conditions "third world" and "degrading."
Tell John Duncan and Eric Robinson that all Canadians deserve clean drinking water!
We the undersigned ask that you provide running water to all first nations homes, especially those in Northern Manitoba, which require urgent action before the onset of winter.
Local medical officers in Manitoba have called the conditions akin to "refugee camps." The Winnipeg Free Press has called the conditions "third world" and "degrading."
This is not good enough. Do not deny these first nations communities the basic resources other Canadians take for granted.
We thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
