Piapot First Nation leadership is demanding an apology from Saskatchewan MP Kevin Waugh. They say he made misleading comments regarding a water treatment plant fire.

In a news release the First Nation says there was a debate on the federal First Nations water bill where MP Waugh stated, “In Saskatchewan, I’ve witnessed reserves burn down water treatment plants because the Liberal government has done little or nothing… The other thing is that there needs to be education provided for people on reserve to operate these water treatment plants, which is part of the problem we have seen with the government over the last eight and a half years.”

Chief Mark Fox, alongside the council of Piapot First Nation, says these statements are grossly disrespectful and entirely unfounded while also perpetuating racist stereotypes.

He suggests it discredits the work, skill, and dedication of trained professionals who have been managing the water treatment plants effectively for years.

Chief Mark Fox also says that repeated investigations into fire incident at the water treatment plant has consistently identified a propane leak as the cause, directly disputing the MP’s insinuations of intentional damage.