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Q1.Why has the federal government not yet committed to the $10

million to build the Freedom Road project at Shoal Lake No. 40 in Treaty No. 3?

A1.The Government of Canada, along with the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, are

partnering in this initiative by providing $1 million each for the design phase of Freedom Road. The

design phase is the basis for establishing the costs associated with the construction of the project. Once

the costs are determined, discussions regarding the funding of the road can take place. This is the first

step toward development of the Freedom Road, an all-season road linking the First Nation community to

the Trans-Canada Highway.

On February 9, 2015, AANDC also committed $2 million to support the construction of an all-weather

access road from Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation to the City of Winnipeg rail line.

Q2. Bill S-8 was passed and the government has been drafting new

legislation concerning First Nations water regulations. How far along is the government in drafting this

legislation? What is contained in the draft legislation and when is it expected to be made law?

A2.Please refer to our website at:https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1408629081625/1408629300751

Q3.How much infrastructure funding has the federal government given

Shoal Lake No. 40 each year for the past five years?

A3.Since 2011, AANDC has invested $5,702,479 for the design, construction, and operations and

maintenance of infrastructure assets in the Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nation.

Q4&5.Why has there been a 2% cap on First Nations infrastructure

funding since 1994? Why in, 2004, or after that, was the 2% cap never lifted on First Nations infrastructure

funding?

A4&5.The two percent increase is not a cap per se, but rather an escalator for inflation and population

growth, which guarantees a minimum rate of increase in spending on Aboriginal core services.

The 2% increase AANDC receives each year helps address cost and population growth pressures on

delivery of basic services.

Additional funding in successive budgets to support Aboriginal people has been provided beyond the 2%.

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Health Canada, Employment and Social

Development Canada and a number of other

federal departments and agencies spend more than $11 billion each year to fund programs and services

directed to Aboriginal people.

*I understand Minister Valcourt's office contacted you regarding your questions 6, 7 and 8.

Q9.Why are First Nation communities more likely, according to available data, to live under boil water

advisories than other non-First Nations communities?

https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1408629081625/1408629300751https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1408629081625/1408629300751https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1408629081625/1408629300751

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A9.Please contact Health Canada.

Q10. In November 2014, the International Joint Commission sent a letter to then Minister David Zimmer

regarding the diversion of Shoal Lake No. 40 First Nations water to the City of Winnipeg. Why has the

government not responded to this letter?

A10.Please contact the Province of Ontario, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Q11.What, if anything, could the First Nations communities do differently or better to fix their water

infrastructure problems?

A11. First Nations own their water and wastewater systems and are responsible for daily operation,

maintenance and management.

In addition to AANDC funding, First Nations invest in water and wastewater systems and activities through

own source revenues and various other government sources at the local, provincial and federal level.

For more information visit:http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1313422821063/1313422935755

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1313422821063/1313422935755http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1313422821063/1313422935755http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1313422821063/1313422935755http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1313422821063/1313422935755