Clean Water Bill Shows 'Troubling Shift' From Recognizing First Nations Rights, Says National Chief

Clean water bill shows 'troubling shift' from recognizing First Nations rights, says national chief

First Nations clean drinking water legislation tabled by the federal government on Tuesday removes key protections from the previous Trudeau-era proposed legislation.

Anishinabek Nation says new federal bill ‘not a product of genuine collaboration’

By Richard Coffin The Anishinabek Nation says it has concerns after a new bill involving water and related infrastructure on First Nations was introduced in Ottawa this week and had first reading.Officials say it marks a significant departure from the collaborative approach taken in previous legislation, which included consultation and further amendments developed through dialogue with First Nations and knowledge keepers.“The current legislation…

AFN calls for changes to new First Nations drinking water legislation

The Assembly of First Nations is welcoming the introduction of new federal drinking water legislation while calling for significant improvements through direct engagement with First Nations. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak responded to the tabling of Bill C-37, saying access to safe drinking water remains a fundamental right that governments must uphold. “Clean drinking water is a human right, and it is an obligation for governments to ho…

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Says Federal Government’s Clean Water Legislation Must Be Improved through Engagement with First Nations

(June 16, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak acknowledged the tabling of Bill C-37 today, saying it must be improved through direct engagement with First Nations. “Clean drinking water is a human right, and it is an obligation for governments to honour that right for everyone, including First