I am rising in this honourable house today in light of the recent concerns in Saskatchewan. Today I have directed a committee of ministers, chaired by the Minister of Environment Ralph Wiseman, to examine the potential concerns surrounding cryptosporidium as they may pertain to this province. I have directed ministers to bring forward any measures necessary to deal with drinking water safety.

I would also like to inform this honourable house that there have been no known or documented cases of cryptosporidium in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The committee also includes the Minister of Health and Community Services, the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and the Minister of Government Services and Lands.

Ministers have been working on this issue for some time. They have been gathering and assessing information and will shortly advise Cabinet on what additional measures may be required to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have continued access to clean, safe drinking water.

This move follows up on our commitment in the Speech from the Throne to bring forward a strategic plan of action to ensure public confidence in our water supplies. This ministerial committee will play an integral role in the formation of the policy.

Also today, the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs joined with his federal and municipal colleagues to announce that some 172 infrastructure projects have been recommended for approval under two programs. The Canada-Newfoundland Infrastructure Program has a mandate to support green municipal infrastructure to ensure affordable clean drinking water systems and environmentally safe sewage treatment.

The province will allot $1.8 million this year from the capital works program to install or upgrade municipal water disinfection systems. Municipalities are being provided with 100 per cent funding, up to a maximum of $100,000, to help those communities currently on boil water advisories.

This also happens to be national Drinking Water Week, and we want to ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to clean safe drinking water not just now, but in the future. These initiatives, along with enforced standards will help ensure that they have just that.

2001 05 07                                                          2:50 p.m.