NAN Rejects Ontario’s Attempts to Deny Clean Water for First Nations; Supports Bill C-61
THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler firmly rejects and condems Ontario’s assertion that Bill C-61: An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands will “undermine competitiveness” or “delay project development”, as referenced in the letter sent to federal Minister Julie Dabrusin by Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy on June 30, 2025:
“It is extremely disappointing that Ontario would prioritize accelerated project development over providing clean drinking water to First Nations. Bill C-61 will allow the creation of a regulatory framework for drinking water and wastewater for First Nations communities. There are currently 17 NAN communities under long-term drinking water advisories, five of which who have gone over two decades without clean and reliable drinking water. It is unsurprising that the Ontario government is once again neglecting the rights of First Nations to prioritize accelerated development, given their introduction of Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing the Economy Act.
Communities across Canada can safely drink water out of their taps without fear because they have strong regulations that protect them. Most Canadians have never had to question the quality of their drinking water, nor worry about if they will have to wait days, weeks, months, even years until they are able to drink out of the tap again. Our First Nations deal with water issues that would be unthinkable in a municipal context.
This legislation came out of a court ordered settlement agreement for a class action lawsuit. This legislation is a product of a negotiated agreement between Canada and affected First Nations communities, and it is Canada’s duty to ensure this legislation is reintroduced. Ontario was not a party to this lawsuit, and this legislation extends beyond Ontario. It is alarming that Ontario thinks they should be able to prevent drinking water regulations for First Nations communities across Canada.
Ontario has no business getting involved in Bill C-61. And this letter represents a new low by the Ford government. Our leaders are extremely concerned that Premier Ford believes he has free reign for development at the expense of First Nations rights and the environment. This is further proof that the Premier and his Ministers are determined to bulldoze First Nations’ rights no matter the cost – even the most basics necessities of life like clean drinking water. This legislation will recognize and affirm that it is a human right of every individual on First Nations land to have access to clean and safe drinking water. Resource development cannot be prioritized over the basic rights of our people.”
For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca