Delayed introduction of First Nations clean water bill ‘unacceptable,’ say chiefs

Ontario chiefs are decrying the delay in the federal government’s introduction of a bill to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water, amid concerns that Canada intends to weaken proposed legislation before introducing it.

First Nations leaders laid out their fears at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his minority Liberal government’s plans to introduce a successor to Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, in the spring.

Bill C-61 died when the previous Liberal government suspended Parliament earlier this year, and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige says it’s unacceptable it still hasn’t been revived. The Anishinabek Nation advocates for 39 First Nations across Ontario.

“First Nations have waited too long. Municipalities, towns and cities that are under a water advisory don’t have to wait that long,” he said during a news conference.

“We have also heard that Canada intends to amend the legislation, potentially weakening it. This is completely unacceptable.”

The original bill affirmed First Nations’ human right to clean water and enshrined their right to self-governance over water in their territories. Debassige said the Liberals are rumored to be considering, among other things, eliminating protection for fresh water sources, for example.

First Nations leaders have not received confirmation that the new bill would also recognize clean water as a human right, he added.

“We have no guarantees. We have had no conversations. This issue regarding the amendments is being heard all over the country, including in British Columbia,” he said.

“All concerns are shared, recognizing that this legislation is not perfect. But it is a step in the right direction.”

The Alberta and Ontario governments previously urged Ottawa to abandon the bill, arguing it would undermine competitiveness and delay project development.

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty was not available for an interview, but said in a statement that ensuring communities have clean water “is a top priority for me and our government.”

“We are working carefully to ensure that the legislation is strong, effective and reflects the needs of communities. I am honored to continue to advance this important work together,” he said.

Carney’s comments ‘disappointing’

Debassige was joined at the press conference by three Ontario chiefs, where Indigenous Services Canada says 38 communities are currently under drinking water advisories of some kind. That means almost a third of all First Nations in the province are afraid to drink what comes out of their taps.

A new law is a legal requirement under a 2021 class-action settlement, and the lack of answers about that settlement creates uncertainty, frustration and deep concern among families, said Shelly Moore-Frappier, chief of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, or Temagami First Nation.

During the news conference, Moore-Frappier joined a growing chorus of leaders who expressed frustration as the Carney government accelerates major projects and resource extraction, but urges First Nations to wait patiently for action on their concerns.

“They are rushing all this legislation when it comes to trampling on our rights in the name of national interest. Yet we still live without basic human rights, such as clean water,” he told reporters.

“It’s unfathomable and actually quite baffling. Actually, when you look at it it’s more of the same.”

Carney made the announcement about the drinking water legislation at the December annual meeting of the Assembly of First Nations in Ottawa, where hundreds of delegates met this week to set policy priorities.

The premier also told chiefs he plans to host a joint premiers’ meeting with First Nations early in the new year, where “you will set the agenda” and where water will likely be a topic of discussion.

SEE | Prime Minister says First Nations will be included in premiers meeting:

Carney says he will host joint premiers’ meeting with First Nations in early 2026

Premier Mark Carney announced on Tuesday he would host a joint federal-provincial-territorial premiers’ meeting early in the new year. Carney told the AFN Special Assembly of First Nations Chiefs that “you will set the agenda.”

Chief Gary Quisess of the Neskantaga First Nation in northern Ontario joined the other chiefs at the news conference, where he expressed his disappointment with Carney’s words.

Neskantaga, in northern Ontario, has been dealing with a boil water advisory for 30 years. Quisess provided CBC Indigenous with faded photographs water and skin lesions in children, as examples of the difficulties that community members have endured during that period.

Quisess was the first to step up to the microphone to ask Carney a question Tuesday afternoon, but the meeting chair interrupted him when his allotted two minutes expired.

“I felt like I hadn’t gotten anywhere with my voice. From the prime minister, I didn’t get a clear answer… Am I going to live on the boil for another decade?” Quisess reflected on Wednesday.

In response, the prime minister acknowledged Canada’s “failure” to lift all long-term boil water advisories, but Quisess was unconvinced.

“It was disappointing. I came a long way here to talk and address the issues. They gave me two minutes; two minutes to talk,” he said.

“And here the prime minister [spoke] about half an hour, without hearing First Nations people address their concerns.”