Speaker, I rise today to highlight the critical role that safe drinking water plays in the health and prosperity of our people and communities.

Providing safe, potable water is essential to the well‑being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Speaker, this government is committed to developing workable and appropriate solutions to drinking water challenges that match the needs of our communities.

We are working with communities to protect drinking water sources, reduce boil-water advisories and provide training and certification to water system operators and funding to regional operators.

Last week, the department’s annual Water and Wastewater Workshop and Awards Presentation in Gander recognized and supported the important contributions of water and wastewater operators, including Derek Seward as Small Systems Operator of the Year and PJ Genneaux as Operator of the Year.

I look forward to working with local leaders, regional service boards, municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments to improve drinking water safety across the province.

Together, we will deliver safe drinking water in Newfoundland and Labrador, for all of us.

Thank you.