Neskantaga First Nation Questions Bill C-37 as Ottawa Promises Action on Decades-Long Drinking Water Crisis

First Nation safe drinking water bill diluted after Ontario opposition

TORONTO – Neskantaga First Nation Chief Gary Quisess can’t even remember the last time he was able to drink water directly from his tap. Now, a federal bill meant to make that possible has been watered down amid opposition from the Ontario government.

Neskantaga First Nation questions Bill C-37 as Ottawa promises action on decades-long drinking water crisis

Neskantaga First Nation is raising concerns about the federal government's newly introduced First Nations Clean Water Act, arguing the legislation does not go far enough to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction over water despite being presented as a landmark step toward ending long-standing drinking water problems on reserves.