US EditionFirst Nations chiefs alarmed by feds’ lack of commitment to protecting source water
First Nations leaders say economic development priorities risk weakening water protections and sidelining Indigenous health in the reintroduced clean water bill, with concerns over lack of benchmarks.
- On Wednesday, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull‑Masty declined last summer to commit to source water protections, prompting criticism from First Nations chiefs.
- The earlier bill from former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government failed before Parliament was prorogued last year, with Alberta and Ontario objecting and First Nations leaders opposing several measures.
- Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige said consultations were minimal, noting she met with Gull‑Masty for only about 15 minutes and warned removing protections would capitulate to provinces.
- MP Billy Morin said the government is breaking promises and warned the new bill may introduce "meaningless bureaucracy" without benchmarks, while First Nations leaders suggested further legal action against Canada.
- The federal legislation passed in June speeds approvals and expands cabinet powers, while Alberta's pipeline to the B.C. coast and Ontario's Ring of Fire raise concerns about source water impacts.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Sask Today
First Nations chiefs alarmed by feds' lack of commitment to protecting source water
St Catharines Standard
First Nations chiefs alarmed by feds’ lack of commitment to protecting source water
OTTAWA - Some First Nations chiefs say Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty's recent refusal to commit to source water protections in a promised clean water bill shows the government is sidelining the health of Indigenous communities in its push to…
OTTAWA—Some First Nations chiefs claim that the recent refusal of the Minister of Aboriginal Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, to commit to protecting water sources in a promised drinking water bill shows that the government is setting aside the health of Aboriginal communities in its desire to develop the economy. Two provinces, Alberta and Ontario, opposed the drinking water bill introduced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, which…
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