Ontario First Nations leaders are voicing strong criticism of the federal government’s delayed plans to reintroduce legislation aimed at guaranteeing safe drinking water for Indigenous communities.
At a news conference on Parliament Hill Wednesday, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said the continued absence of a successor to Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, is unacceptable. The original bill affirmed First Nations’ right to safe water and recognized their self-government authority over water in their territories.
“First Nations have waited too long. Municipalities do not have to wait this long under a water advisory,” Debassige said. She also warned that rumored amendments could weaken the bill, including removing protections for freshwater sources.
Currently, Indigenous Services Canada reports that 38 First Nations communities in Ontario remain under drinking water advisories, affecting nearly one-third of the province’s First Nations. Shelly Moore-Frappier, chief of Teme-Augama Anishnabai, highlighted the legal requirement for new legislation under a 2021 class-action settlement and said the delay causes uncertainty and frustration.
Chief Gary Quisess of Neskantaga First Nation described the ongoing hardships of living under a boil water advisory for 30 years, including discoloured water and health issues among children. Quisess criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for limiting community leaders’ speaking time at a recent Assembly of First Nations meeting and expressed skepticism over promises to address water concerns.
Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty stated in a release that ensuring safe drinking water is a top priority and emphasized that the government is working to make the legislation effective and responsive to community needs.
Despite federal assurances, First Nations leaders warn that without immediate and strong legislative action, many communities will continue to face long-term water insecurity.
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