An organization that will take over the responsibility of water supplies in First Nations communities in Mi’kma’ki from the federal government is optimistic the spring budget will bring good news for the chronically underfunded utility. The Atlantic First Nation Water Authority signed a framework agreement with Indigenous Services Canada in 2020 to transition the control and oversight of drinking water and wastewater services in 15 Mi'kmaw and Wolastoqey communities to the First Nations-led organization.