Mr. Speaker, the government's record for protecting drinking water is poor, especially on native lands.
Last spring the minister stated to the House that the government was dealing with 22 out of a total of 140 inefficient water plants on reserves, yet Health Canada's own internal audit confirms the number to be 103 plants that pose serious health risks. The internal report also says that the government has committed only $215 million out of the $790 million needed.
Why does the minister think it is acceptable to have third world drinking water conditions that put the lives of natives at risk?