Northern NDP MPPs call for collaboration and consultation to strengthen Canada’s First Nation water legislation

SIOUX LOOKOUT - Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) and MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk – James Bay) are urging the Prime Minister to change course on the new long-awaited new legislation tabled yesterday, Bill C-37, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands.

MPP Mamakwa said: “Over a year after Canada’s First Nations water legislation died on the order paper, the Carney government has introduced a diluted version of that legislation. First Nations leaders have been quick to speak up and say that they were not consulted on the changes from the original Bill.”

The majority of Canada’s remaining long-term boil water advisories are in Ontario (28), and most of these are in First Nations in the ridings of Kiiwetinoong (in 16 First Nations) and Mushkegowuk – James Bay (in 1 First Nation). There are an additional 9 short-term boil water advisories in Kiiwetinoong and 2 in Mushkegowuk-James Bay.

One case of unsafe drinking water is in Kashechewan First Nation, where the community has been evacuated for almost 6 months because of a failure of their water system. MPP Bourgouin added: “We have seen commitments made without the actions needed to deliver results, including the 2019 tripartite agreement to relocate Kashechewan before 2029. Millions of dollars continue to be spent on emergency evacuations, while too little is invested in infrastructure that would strengthen communities, and prevent these crises from happening. Legislation must be matched with true meaningful partnership with First Nations communities.”

Canada’s longest ongoing long-term boil water advisory continues in Neskantaga First Nation, where the community hasn’t had clean drinking water in over 31 years. “There are many people in Neskantaga First Nation who have never been able to drink the water in their community,” Mamakwa continued. “Years ago, I heard the federal Minister commit to ending the boil-water advisory by 2018, but the people of Neskantaga are still waiting.”

“With this reality, it is especially alarming that Ontario has a Premier whose Environment Minister actively campaigned against legislation intended to ensure that all First Nations’ right to clean drinking water is respected. It seems that this advocacy was successful, since the new legislation weakens some of the key language and provisions of the original Bill.”

“Time and time again, we’ve seen governments take action quickly when it is in their political interests to do so. The failure to do this is intentional. It’s long past time Ontario and Canada act with the urgency needed to finally ensure that all First Nations have water protections and clean drinking water, in accordance with their rights.”

The northern MPPs are calling on Premier Ford to join First Nations leaders in advocating for stronger water legislation from the federal government, which should be developed in close collaboration with First Nations rights holders.