Bill C-61 Introduced for First Nations Clean Water

Bill C-61 Introduced for First Nations Clean Water

The Government of Canada, acknowledging the long-standing water issues in First Nations communities, has introduced a new legislation, Bill C-61, known as the First Nations Clean Water Act. The announcement comes with the aim of ensuring clean and safe drinking water for First Nations for generations to come. “Created with First Nations, this legislation is the foundation of clean and safe drinking water for generations to come. It establishes the rights and supports that should have always been there for First Nations,” states Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services. “It creates the tools First Nations need to manage their water systems and ensure the water they draw from is safe. It holds the federal government accountable to provide sustainable funding so that communities never have to live with unsafe water. And it is thanks to the extensive expertise, work, and guidance of First Nations partners that this legislation will lead to a future where no one has to grow up without clean drinking water ever again.”

Tataskweyak Cree Nation to get $40M water pipeline after 6 years under boil water advisory

Tataskweyak Cree Nation to get $40M water pipeline after 6 years under boil water advisory

Taralee Beardy never thought she would see her community get a safer source of water, but a national $8 billion drinking water class-action settlement affecting First Nations is set to change that. Beardy, the chief of Tataskweyak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, says the construction of a new 40-kilometre pipeline and water treatment plant for her community is set to begin next spring, meaning Tataskweyak's six-year boil water advisory will be coming to an end.

‘Not true reconciliation:’ FSIN reacts to federal bill on water

‘Not true reconciliation:’ FSIN reacts to federal bill on water

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is not impressed with new federal legislation on clean water. The Canadian government announced Bill C-61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act. The goal is to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water for generations to come.

Together with First Nations leadership, Minister Patty Hajdu introduces a Bill to support clean drinking water in First Nations communities

Together with First Nations leadership, Minister Patty Hajdu introduces a Bill to support clean drinking water in First Nations communities

Bill C-61 is the next step to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water for generations to come. Everyone in Canada should have access to safe and clean drinking water. First Nations have long called for legislation that affirms their inherent rights, recognizes their stewardship in keeping water clean and meets First Nations needs. Effective legislation, a national regulatory regime, and First Nations-led institutions are essential to supporting sustainable access to clean, safe and reliable drinking water in First Nations communities.

Sask. Indigenous leaders react to federal legislation on water quality

Sask. Indigenous leaders react to federal legislation on water quality

The Indigenous Services Minister has tabled much-anticipated legislation to improve water quality in First Nations communities. “Created with First Nations, this legislation is the foundation of clean and safe drinking water for generations to come,” stated Minister Patty Hajdu. “It establishes the rights and supports that should have always been there for First Nations. It creates the tools First Nations need to manage their water systems and ensure the water they draw from is safe.”

Ottawa tables long-awaited bill to improve, protect First Nations water quality

Ottawa tables long-awaited bill to improve, protect First Nations water quality

The Liberal government tabled much-anticipated legislation Monday that aims to improve water quality in First Nations communities, improve collaboration on water protection and codify a new First Nations-led commission. The long-promised bill, which Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu is touting as the result of immense collaboration and knowledge-sharing, would apply a new framework for source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nations land.

Feds introduce bill to set drinking water standards in First Nations

Feds introduce bill to set drinking water standards in First Nations

The federal government's proposed new bill to set drinking water standards in First Nations is being met with mixed reactions. Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu introduced Bill C-61 on Monday in the House of Commons. The proposed law is intended to protect fresh water sources, create minimum national drinking water and wastewater standards in First Nations, and provide sustainable funding for maintaining water quality.

Manitoba water filtration company helping communities on water advisories

Manitoba water filtration company helping communities on water advisories

A reserve in central Manitoba has access to clean drinking water after what the community says was almost two decades of trucking it in. On Oct. 29 this year, Nibi Envirotech finished installing a water filtration system, giving residents of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve — also known as Valley River First Nation — access to potable water.

Killer Water: The Toxic Legacy of Canada's Oil Sands Industry for Indigenous Communities

Killer Water: The Toxic Legacy of Canada's Oil Sands Industry for Indigenous Communities

n Northern Alberta, Canada, sit the Athabasca tar sands—the world’s largest known reservoir of crude bitumen, and a major driver of Canada’s economy. The vast majority of Canadian oil production comes from the extraction and processing of the crude bitumen found in the tar sands. But while Canada prospers off the tar sands industry, Indigenous communities downstream are in the grips of its toxic impact. It is well documented that the people of Fort Chipewyan, in northern Alberta, have been struck by disproportionately high rates of cancer, and their proximity to the tar sands has long been the suspected dominant factor contributing to their sickness.

New federal water legislation aims to do better on Indigenous rights

New federal water legislation aims to do better on Indigenous rights

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising a new version of the Canada Water Act – and one of the improvements, he says, will be in the area of Indigenous rights. What that might mean for Indigenous people and communities is the focus of APTN Investigates: Liquid Law. Earlier this year at the fork of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in Winnipeg, the prime minister announced not just the updated Water Act – but a new agency to administer the regulation of water across the country.