US EditionMinister not promising source water protection in new First Nations clean water bill
The minister declined to confirm reintroducing source-water protections after provincial opposition, despite legal and community pressure to end boil-water advisories in First Nations.
- On Dec. 30, 2025, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull‑Masty declined to commit to reintroducing source‑water protections in a reworked clean water bill.
- After earlier federal drafting, Alberta and Ontario warned reintroducing the bill would 'undermine competitiveness and delay project development,' while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised spring legislation.
- The earlier draft bill was prepared with First Nations input and died when the last federal election was called, and Mandy Gull‑Masty had vowed in summer to affirm a human right to clean drinking water.
- The standoff may slow efforts to repair drinking water systems as Mandy Gull‑Masty said she cannot impose agreements on First Nations, intersecting with provincial governments' warnings and June legislation that speeds approvals.
- Broader legal and settlement obligations mean federal departments face 15% spending cuts while the $47.8 billion compensation and reform package and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders influence Indigenous policy.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Minister Mandy Gull-Masty does not guarantee the protection of First Nations sources in the next water bill.
Minister not promising source water protection in a new First Nations clean water bill
With her government under pressure to finally eliminate boil-water advisories in First Nations communities, the federal minister responsible for Indigenous services isn't committing to bringing back a defunct clean water bill in the new year as written — after two provinces objected to it.
Winnipeg Free Press
Minister not promising source water protection in new First Nations clean water bill
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Minister hesitates on source water protections in upcoming First Nations clean water bill - South Asian Daily
As pressure mounts on the federal government to finally eliminate long-standing boil-water advisories in First Nations communities, the minister responsible for Indigenous services is stopping short of committing to source water protections in new clean drinking water legislation expected next year. Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says the government will not necessarily revive a previously drafted clean water bill in its original …
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