The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is urging the federal government to immediately engage with First Nations following the introduction of Bill C-37, the proposed First Nations Clean Water Act.
The legislation, tabled this week by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, includes a $4.6 billion commitment toward water infrastructure and replaces Bill C-61, which died when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025.
FSIN Fourth Vice Chief Craig McCallum said the organization welcomes efforts to address water issues in First Nations communities but believes important protections from the previous bill have been weakened or removed.
“Water is not a privilege, but rather, it’s a fundamental human right,” McCallum said. “The introduction of Bill C-37 is a positive step toward addressing First Nations’ water issues, but we remain deeply concerned that important protections and commitments contained in the previous Bill C-61 have been weakened or removed.”
Among the concerns raised by FSIN is the removal of language explicitly recognizing the human right to clean drinking water. The organization also says the legislation does not guarantee funding, instead committing to the future co-development of a funding framework.
FSIN noted positive aspects of the bill, including the creation of a First Nations-led water commission and recognition of water quantity issues, but says concerns remain around source water protection, government oversight and the absence of mandatory funding provisions.
Chief Bobby Cameron said meaningful consultation must remain a priority as the legislation moves forward.
“First Nations must be at the table from the outset when legislation like this is developed,” Cameron said. “Any legislation impacting our First Nations must include clear commitments, guaranteed funding, and full recognition of the right to safe, clean drinking water.”
FSIN says it will conduct a comprehensive review of Bill C-37 and continue advocating amendments before the legislation returns for debate in Parliament this fall.