Bill C-61 Introduced for First Nations Clean Water – NetNewsLedger

December 11, 2023

Bill C-61, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act, is the next step to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water for generations to come.

It is the result of extensive consultation. In 2013, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act came into effect, but First Nations were already calling for its repeal and replacement. Engagement has been ongoing, and in 2018, the Assembly of First Nations, with support from Canada, led an engagement to review the Act. First Nations shared several concerns.

Bill C-61, introduced in Parliament today, is the result of our commitment to introduce legislation that addresses key priorities and concerns raised by First Nations. Bill C-61 would recognize and affirm the inherent right of First Nations to self-government in relation to water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on, in and under First Nation lands.

It would also establish rights-based regulatory pathways to protect water and source water adjacent to First Nation lands, in consultation and cooperation with First Nations, other federal Ministers, and provinces and territories, to help protect drinking water sources flowing onto First Nation lands.

Read More: https://www.netnewsledger.com/2023/12/12/bill-c-61-introduced-for-first-nations-clean-water/