Lawyers say language change in First Nations water bill looks to shield government
The bill would let First Nations negotiate water agreements and secure long-term funding, while critics say it weakens explicit rights protections.
- On Tuesday, the federal government tabled Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act, establishing a framework for water protection agreements and sustainable funding for First Nations communities.
- With 38 First Nations communities currently facing long-term drinking water advisories, the bill addresses an ongoing crisis and follows a previous version that died on the floor last January.
- Ontario regional chief Abram Benedict stated, "Communities need reliable infrastructure, operational funding, technical support and long-term investments," while warning the bill "reflects a shift away from explicit recognition of First Nations rights."
- Kitigan Zibi Anishinbeg Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck said the bill shifts responsibility to First Nations, adding, "I think the First Nations have to take responsibility themselves for ensuring clean water."
- Legislative debate will likely not resume until the fall as the House is expected to rise for summer break this week, delaying further action on the bill.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Neskantaga First Nation not ‘optimistic’ about federal government’s new water legislation
The chief of the First Nation with the longest ongoing water issue in the country says he’ll remain skeptical of the federal government’s clean water act until he sees something concrete happen. Neskantaga First Nation Chief Gary Quisess’s community in northern Ontario has been under a boil water advisory since the mid-1990s. He said he will remain skeptical until the federal government actually meets its water commitments to First Nations. “I’m…
Local chiefs call new drinking water bill a step forward, remain cautious about rollout
Indigenous leaders in eastern Ontario and western Quebec are expressing cautious optimism over the First Nations Clean Water Act, a federal bill tabled Tuesday that promises legally enforceable protections for clean drinking water.
The Toronto Star
Lawyers say language change in First Nations water bill looks to shield government
Two lawyers say the blurring of language on the right of First Nations to clean drinking water in a new bill serves as a shield for the federal government as
Northern NDP MPPs call for collaboration and consultation to strengthen Canada’s First Nation water legislation
Language English News Content: Northern NDP MPPs call for collaboration and consultation to strengthen Canada’s First Nation water legislation SIOUX LOOKOUT - Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) and MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk – James Bay) are urging the Prime Minister to change course on the new long-awaited new legislation tabled yesterday, Bill C-37, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infr…
Ottawa introduces Indigenous clean water legislation
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase The federal government has introduced Bill C-37 in the House of Commons to address the national Indigenous clean drinking water crisis. Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Mandy Gull-Masty introduced the legislation, describing it as an important step toward resolving the clean drinking water crisis. “This is a time for action, with First Nations guiding the way,” Gull-Ma…
FSIN calls for stronger First Nations role in new clean water legislation
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is urging the federal government to immediately engage with First Nations following the introduction of Bill C-37, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act. The legislation, tabled this week by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, includes a $4.6 billion commitment toward water infrastructure and replaces Bill C-61, which died when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025. FSIN Fourt…
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