First Nations leaders are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to tackle a number of key priorities when the new parliamentary session starts at the end of the month, including drinking water standards in First Nations communities.
Back in December of 2023, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hadju presented Bill C-61, setting drinking water standards in First Nations communities. The legislation would have protected fresh water sources, created minimum national drinking water and wastewater standards and delivered sustainable funding for maintaining water quality. It pledged to lay the foundation for a new First Nations-led water institution to support communities, titled the First Nations Water Commission.
The bill didn’t make it through Parliament and First Nations leaders want the bill, or similar legislation to be brought back when the House of Commons returns. It’s said that Carney agreed to do just that, as well as bringing up how First Nations can develop and maintain their infrastructure.
The new session of Parliament begins May 26, 2025
Comments