Program Overview
OFNTSC provides engineering services through quality assurance initiatives, capital planning and development. It offers direct assistance with capital projects involving water and wastewater initiatives, capital planning, engineering studies and training. The program performs peer reviews of designs, reports and studies, including water treatment pilot plants and process optimization.
The program creates generic Terms of Reference (ToR) to clients for pilot studies, design reviews and effective wastewater systems which can be customized to meet First Nations’ specific needs.
The program manages projects for First Nations and INAC regarding First Nation Water Management Strategy initiatives. It also assists in the implementation of recommendations to bring systems up to provincial standards, using the multi-barrier system of checks and balances.
The Quality Assurance team provides assistance in contract administration, advice on project management, reviews new government regulations, Level of Service Standard (LOSS), and other protocols.
Training is vital. OFNTSC updates existing manuals for the Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP) while working with the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario (AWWAO) to evaluate an operator salary grid and job description for First Nation operators, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of operators.
IT has proposed a framework for developing and implementing a comprehensive operator training, licensing and certification program and has highlighted the immediate need for training and certification of operators for First Nations.
Partnerships are important. Staff work closely with stakeholders and governments, as well as the corporate sector by attending necessary meetings, reviews and working groups. It participates on the National Occupational Standards for Water and Wastewater Operators Technical Advisory Committee under the Canadian Council for Human Resources in the Environment Industry (CCHREI). OFNTSC participates on the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Advisory Council on Drinking Water and Testing Standards. Quality Assurance personnel attend the ICCW, and the Ministry of the Environment First Nations Technical Committee (Working Group) meetings regarding Source Water Protection and Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange.
The program is also a member of the AFN Water Technicians’ Committee while also offering technical support and advice to First Nations regarding the Safe Water Operational System (SWOP). Quality Assurance participates in the Expert Panel on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations.