This is very nearly the first thing Stephen Harper’s government did.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES IMMEDIATE ACTION ON FIRST NATIONS DRINKING WATER

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (March 21, 2006) –The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, with Phil Fontaine, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), today launched a plan of action to address drinking water concerns in First Nation communities.

“The government will ensure that First Nation leaders have access to the tools and resources they need to deliver clean water to their residents,” said Minister Prentice. “All parties with responsibilities in this area must take decisive action and achieve measurable results.”

 

A year later, nothing. A year after that, “deplorable” water in First Nations communities. Three years after that, if the latest reports are accurate, Bruce Carson spotted an opportunity.

Oh, yes. This is a scandal.