Environmental Health

Environmental Health Officers

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) Mark Turner and Leslie Moody provide advice, guidance, education, public health inspections and recommendations to First Nations and their leadership to help them manage public health risks associated with the environment. They gather data required to analyze what steps can be taken to promote public health in First Nations communities. Some EHOs are employed by Health Canada and some by First Nations or Tribal Councils. All EHOs working in First Nations communities must have a Certificate in Public Health Inspection (Canada).

EHOs visit First Nations to do inspections, investigations and provide education and training sessions. Routine activities are provided as per community workplans that are agreed upon by Environmental Health Officers and Chiefs and Councils. Other activities are completed as required, upon request of Chiefs and Councils.

EHOs identify potential public health risks in First Nations communities and provide recommendations on how to correct them. Chiefs and Councils are responsible for addressing the recommendations provided.

Stó:lō Nation Health Services provides the Drinking Water Safety Program to the following communities:
Aitchelitz
Skowkale
Tzeachten
Yakweakwioose
Other communities in the Nation’s territory (Leq’a:mel, Matsqui, Squiala and Sumas First Nations) provide their own Drinking Water Safety Program on behalf of their members.

Drinking Water
Access to safe and reliable drinking water is essential. The Environmental Public Health Program undertakes activities related to drinking water safety in First Nations communities.

Activities
1. Environmental Public Health Assessment
Monitor to verify the quality of drinking water:
Sampling and testing of community distribution systems, cisterns and public-access wells is conducted by EHOs and Community Based Water Monitors, which may include Water Quality Technicians and Community Health Representatives.
Review and interpret drinking water quality results according to the latest version of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality including bacteriological, chemical, physical and radiological parameters.
Provide advice, guidance and recommendations to First Nations communities about drinking water safety issues.
Review plans for new or upgraded community water systems from a public health perspective.
Investigate suspected problems with community drinking water supplies as required.

2. Public Education
Provide Public Education to Chiefs, Councils, and community residents about safe drinking water and risk prevention.

3. Training
Provide training, orientation and regular refreshers to Community Based Water Quality Monitors.

Download the Government of Canada's "Your Health at Home: What You Can Do! Environmental Health Guide for First Nations" here. (PDF 3.9MB)

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