US EditionFirst Nations chiefs alarmed by feds’ lack of commitment to protecting source water
First Nations leaders say economic development priorities risk weakening water protections and sidelining Indigenous health in the reintroduced clean water bill, with concerns over lack of benchmarks.
- On Jan. 7, 2026, First Nations chiefs criticised Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty for refusing to commit to source water protections, saying Ottawa sidelines Indigenous health amid economic pressures.
- Amid pipeline and Ring of Fire development pressures, Alberta and Ontario opposed earlier clean water legislation, while both provinces and the federal government now speed approvals for major infrastructure projects.
- Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige said consultations with Mandy Gull-Masty are lacking, as she met with the minister for only about 15 minutes and is unaware of other chiefs meeting her.
- Political critics argued that Minister Mandy Gull-Masty's refusal to include source water protections may lead to legal action, as Debassige warned of further legal steps against Canada.
- Negotiators and chiefs say the dispute reflects broader rights conflicts as First Nations leaders objected to three bills, accusing cabinet and federal legislation of threatening consultation rights and the environment.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Sask Today
First Nations chiefs alarmed by feds' lack of commitment to protecting source water
St Catharines Standard
First Nations chiefs alarmed by feds’ lack of commitment to protecting source water
OTTAWA - Some First Nations chiefs say Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty's recent refusal to commit to source water protections in a promised clean water bill shows the government is sidelining the health of Indigenous communities in its push to…
OTTAWA—Some First Nations chiefs claim that the recent refusal of the Minister of Aboriginal Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, to commit to protecting water sources in a promised drinking water bill shows that the government is setting aside the health of Aboriginal communities in its desire to develop the economy. Two provinces, Alberta and Ontario, opposed the drinking water bill introduced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, which…
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