WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPENS IN LEADER

Released on September 24, 2003

People in Leader have safer drinking water today thanks to an upgraded water treatment plant supported by the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Ron Osika and Leader Mayor Pamela Busby today celebrated the opening of Leader's upgraded water treatment plant. The $830,402 construction project was announced in April 2002. The federal and the provincial governments each provided $276,800 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) while the town contributed $276,802.

"With infrastructure investments in Leader and other rural communities, the Government of Canada is responding to their needs," Secretary of State Stephen Owen said (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs Northern Development). "WD will continue to partner with these communities through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program because it is an effective way to make life better for all Canadians."

"The co-operation of the people of Leader, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Minister Osika said. "Safe water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are proud to be a part of the team contributing to Leader's success."

"Thanks to the Canada Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, the Town of Leader now has the best drinking water around," said Mayor Pam Busby. "Without this grant, we would not have been able to afford such a huge undertaking. We are pleased that the upgrade is complete and we are no longer under a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory."

Leader's new water treatment plant will ensure viruses and microbiological constituents do not enter the water distribution system. Leader was under a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory when it applied to the CSIP Program. The advisory was lifted in June 2003 when the upgraded water treatment began operation.

This is the third year of the five-year Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan municipalities. During the first three years of the program, more than $84 million in federal and provincial funds have been announced for 298 projects. The program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide the remaining minimum one-third of the project costs.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions, and affordable housing.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ann Anderson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8890 Email: aanderson@graa.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)535-3069

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942 Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca