Ontario Indigenous Leaders Urge Swift Action on Water Legislation

Indigenous leaders in Ontario are strongly criticizing the federal government for its hold-up on reintroducing a vital piece of legislation designed to ensure safe drinking water for Indigenous communities.

During a news conference on Parliament Hill, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige stated that the absence of a replacement for Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, is simply unacceptable. This legislation affirmed the right of First Nations to have safe water and recognized their self-governance over water resources in their territories.

“First Nations have waited far too long. Municipalities wouldn’t face such delays under a water advisory,” Debassige asserted, cautioning that potential amendments could undermine the bill by stripping protections for freshwater sources.

As reported by Indigenous Services Canada, 38 First Nations communities in Ontario are still grappling with drinking water advisories, impacting nearly one-third of the province’s Indigenous population. Shelly Moore-Frappier, chief of Teme-Augama Anishnabai, emphasized the legal obligation for new legislation stemming from a 2021 class-action settlement and articulated that the ongoing delay amplifies uncertainty and frustration.

Chief Gary Quisess of Neskantaga First Nation spoke about the ongoing strain of living under a boil water advisory for three decades, including issues such as discoloured water and health ramifications for children. He criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for limiting the speaking time of community leaders during a recent Assembly of First Nations meeting, voicing skepticism regarding commitments to address water issues.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty mentioned in a statement that ensuring safe drinking water is of top priority and indicated that the government is striving to make the legislation both effective and responsive to the needs of the communities.

Regardless of federal assurances, First Nations leaders caution that without urgent and robust legislative measures, many communities will continue to suffer from long-term water insecurity.