First Nations chiefs say feds won't commit to source water protections

Some First Nations chiefs say Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty would not commit to including source water protections in a promised clean water bill, and chiefs say consultations on the new legislation have been limited. The timing and details of any reintroduced bill are undetermined at this time.

Some First Nations chiefs say Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty would not commit to including source water protections in a promised clean water bill, and they view that as sidelining community health amid a push for economic development. A previous clean water bill introduced under the former prime minister did not pass before Parliament was prorogued, and the minister had said she planned to reintroduce legislation affirming a right to clean drinking water. Chiefs say consultations on the new bill have been limited and that they have raised concerns about protections for upstream water sources. Key points: - Mandy Gull-Masty would not commit to including source water protections in the reintroduced clean water legislation. - A prior clean water bill failed to pass before Parliament was prorogued; Alberta and Ontario had objected to that bill. - First Nations leaders report limited consultation on the new bill and express concern about impacts to community water sources, including the Great Lakes. - A federal law passed in June that speeds approvals for major projects and gives cabinet new powers is cited as raising questions about environmental protections. Summary: Chiefs say the minister's refusal to commit to source water protections has heightened concern about whether the reintroduced bill will address the protections they sought. Undetermined at this time.