Most Albertans fill a glass of water without a second thought.

But on many First Nations in Canada, clean safe drinking water is still not as simple as turning on the taps. Rachel Notley’s government is changing that by eliminating roadblocks to clean, safe drinking water on Alberta reserves.

“Safe drinking water shouldn’t be a question in Alberta,” Notley said. “Water is essential to good community health, and it’s important that we work with First Nations to make this happen.”

Notley’s plan a step away from boom and bust

Two years ago, Rachel Notley committed $100 million to help First Nations gain access clean drinking water.

Ten projects are in various stages to connect 14 communities to drinking water, nearly one out of every three First Nations in the province.

While water on First Nations falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, Notley’s plan has meant partnering with Indigenous communities and local municipalities to bring municipal water resources to reserve boundaries. From there, connecting First Nations homes to water becomes much simpler.

Ten projects are in various stages to connect 14 communities to drinking water, nearly one out of every three First Nations in the province. Two of these communities have already been connected, Alexis First Nation and Paul First Nation east of Edmonton.

Kenney unclear on Indigenous rights

While Notley has tackled one of the most serious problems affecting the well-being of Indigenous people in Alberta, Jason Kenney has demonstrated that he thinks of Indigenous people as an afterthought.

In December, Kenney publicly announced a plan to sell off massive areas of public land in Treaty 8 territory. That prompted Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey to blast Kenney for failing to pick up the phone. Governments are constitutionally responsible to work with First Nations to protect their rights to fish, hunt and exercise traditional practices. But instead of apologizing, Kenney doubled down on his insistence that the land didn’t fall under treaty.

While Kenney is promising massive land sales and tax giveaways to profitable corporations, Rachel Notley believes that drinking water is a building block for a future that builds towards reconciliation.

“Water is fundamental to life,” Notley said. “We need to work together so that every family in Alberta can turn on the tap without a second thought.”