Neskantaga First Nation Questions Bill C-37 as Ottawa Promises Action on Decades-Long Drinking Water Crisis

First Nation safe drinking water bill diluted after Ontario opposition

TORONTO – Neskantaga First Nation Chief Gary Quisess can’t even remember the last time he was able to drink water directly from his tap. Now, a federal bill meant to make that possible has been watered down amid opposition from the Ontario government.

Neskantaga First Nation questions Bill C-37 as Ottawa promises action on decades-long drinking water crisis

Neskantaga First Nation is raising concerns about the federal government's newly introduced First Nations Clean Water Act, arguing the legislation does not go far enough to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction over water despite being presented as a landmark step toward ending long-standing drinking water problems on reserves.

Clean-water legislation gets lukewarm reception from Indigenous leaders

This water treatment plant pictured in Hiawatha First Nation in ‘Ontario’ ended a two-decade drinking water advisory in 2023. Across the country, 43 First Nations with federally funded water systems have long-term drinking-water advisories — including 27 in ‘Ontario,’ 7 in ‘B.C.,’ 6 in Manitoba, and 3 in Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy Indigenous Services Canada This story was originally published by NWOnewswatch, and appears here with permission, …

Bill C-37, The First Nations Clean Water Act

Summary: On June 16, 2026, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Mandy-Gull Masty tabled Bill C-37, The First Nations Clean Water Act, which would legislate provisions to ensure clean drinking water for First Nations. Much of the proposed legislation is similar to the previously tabled Bill C-61, which died on the order paper due to the prorogation of Parliament in January 2025. Key components of the Bill include recognition of First Nations l…