Photo: Indigenous Services of Canada Minister Mandy Gull-Masty
Indigenous Services of Canada Minister Mandy Gull-Masty called MBC News today and says the federal government has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of Bill C-37, aimed at supporting First Nations control over water systems.
“What this bill is going to do, for those who are not aware, is to recognize the inherent right of First Nations to manage and operate and control water systems within community lands. This is the first thing, really giving them the space to be able to determine what it is that their communities need in community water. It also is attached to a new funding announcement of $4.6 billion, so it provides the resource that communities will need to do the work. This is different than the last bill. We really injected very, very significant funding in this space,” explained Gull-Masty.
The proposed legislation would recognize the inherent right of First Nations to manage and operate water infrastructure in their communities, while also introducing minimum water standards and new protections for source water.
The bill is backed by a $4.6 billion funding commitment and focuses on partnerships with provincial and territorial governments to close regulatory gaps and improve water safety.
Gull-Masty says the next phase will involve further study in the fall, with community engagement sessions where communities can provide feedback, recommendations, changes, and participate in committee discussions.
“I think that this is a really strong space to be sure that, you know, First Nations communities are protecting their water, but First Nations communities are also harmonizing their protection measures with the neighbors and people who live adjacent to the community territories. It’s also going to introduce what has never existed before, which is minimum water standards in community,” said Gull-Masty.
The engagement will continue throughout the summer, emphasizing that communities can move forward at their own pace while helping shape the final version of the legislation.
Here’s the full interview with Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty: