TL;DR

In this edition of IYR Explains, we’re breaking down Bill C-61: First Nations Clean Water Act.

Details

Content Warning: Please use the number below if you need support, or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca | 1-855-242-3310 – available in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.

Bill C-61 At A Glance

  • Despite vast freshwater resources in Canada, and ongoing government commitments to resolve the crisis, many First Nations communities remain without access to safe drinking water.
  • On December 11, 2023, the federal government introduced Bill C-61: First Nations Clean Water Act in the House of Commons. The proposed law affirms the inherent rights of First Nations to self-govern water resources on their lands (including establishing and enforcing their own water-related laws) and sets out principles to ensure that First Nations communities are provided with clean and safe drinking water and the tools to effectively treat and dispose of wastewater on their lands.
  • The bill sets out minimum standards for water quality and provides methods to support sustainable source water management (untreated water from lakes, rivers, and underground sources).
  • The bill is also connected to commitments Canada has made through the UNDA Act, which seeks to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) UNDRIP recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to all aspects of self-governance and self-determination, including the right to control natural resources on their territories.
  • As of June 17, 2024, Bil C-61 has passed Second Reading at the House of Commons and is now in consideration by the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

Read Our Report

For More Information