First Nations Drinking Water Policy
While it is hard for many rural communities to provide safe drinking water, the situation in First Nations communities is especially difficult. Since 1995, a number of reports have highlighted the unacceptable situation in these communities. Health Canada still tells 95 communities to boil their water and Indian Affairs says that there is a good chance that water systems in 85 communities could break down. Without a proper regulatory framework and enough resources, First Nations will continue to face this risk to public health. We work with First Nations to improve public policies to make sure that First Nations get the systems and resources they need.
Regulatory Consultations
On the recommendation from an independent report, the Federal Government committed in its budgets to work towards implementing a new system for First Nations drinking water. The government organized a series of engagement sessions in 2008-2009 to consult with First Nations on what this system would look like.
This was an important opportunity to create a better system to help First Nations provide safe drinking water. However, the government did not give First Nations a real and meaningful chance to shape the laws that will regulate their drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Foundation worked and continues to work to make sure that First Nations understand the issues and options at hand. For more information, consult our series of background articles.
How to Find Out More
If you want to find out more, we have a selection of background articles that provide an overview of the situation and examine the issues involved. As well, we have put together a library of relevant reports on First Nations drinking water. We will continue to update this section with new information as it becomes available.
Read our First Nations Drinking Water Position Paper
Read a letter to Prime Minister Harper from Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7 and Treaty No. 8
UN Human Rights Commission Submission by Chief Allan Adam Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
The recommended text for Band Council Resolutions (BCRs) to help your community reject the downloading of responsibility for safe drinking water from the Federal government until such a time that the resources are in place to be able to produce safe drinking water.
Read any of the following reports issued by the government:
2009
Government of Canada Takes More Action to Clean Up Drinking Water in First Nation Communities http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/mr/nr/j-a2009/nr000000168-eng.asp
Engagement Sessions on the Development of a Proposed Legislative Framework for Drinking Water and Wastewater in First Nation Communities
2008
Government Of Canada Announces Next Important Steps To Improve Drinking Water In First Nation Communities
Government Of Canada Reports Ssubstantial Progress In Improving First Nation Water Quality — in less than two years, the Canadian Government reduces the number of high-risk First Nation water systems by over half.
2007
Canada's New Government Marks World Water Day: Reports on Progress to Improve Water Quality on Reserve; Launches Water Kit for First Nations Children
2006
Government Announces Expert Panel to Advise on a Regulatory Framework to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
Government Announces Immediate Action on First Nations Drinking Water
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