The federal government has introduced Bill C-37 in the House of Commons to address the national Indigenous clean drinking water crisis.
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada Mandy Gull-Masty introduced the legislation, describing it as an important step toward resolving the clean drinking water crisis.
“This is a time for action, with First Nations guiding the way,” Gull-Masty said. “For too long, many First Nations communities have gone without the protections that help keep drinking water safe. That needs to change. The proposed First Nations Clean Water Act would establish, for the first time, a legislative framework to support safe drinking water in First Nations communities, while recognizing First Nations jurisdiction over water on their lands and holding governments to account.”
The proposed First Nations Clean Water Act was introduced in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The legislation is the federal government’s latest attempt to address disparities in access to clean drinking water between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada.
If passed, the legislation would establish a First Nations-led water commission to oversee federal accountability in addressing the crisis. It would also mandate that drinking water standards in First Nations communities meet or exceed Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, or the equivalent provincial or territorial standards in place.
According to ISC, the commission would grant First Nations greater authority over source, drinking and wastewater, as well as the relevant infrastructure associated with these aspects of their territories.
The federal government has allocated approximately $4.6 billion to help develop water related infrastructure in First Nations communities. According to the government, this will be the largest single federal funding commitment to First Nations water infrastructure in history.
Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, said the bill would ensure First Nations remain at the table in federal discussions on solutions to the clean water crisis.
“For too long, First Nations have faced unacceptable gaps when it comes to safe drinking water,” Lavack said. “This proposed legislation is an important step toward changing that. It reflects the leadership of First Nations, is built on partnership, and is supported by historic investments. Together, we are creating a stronger, more accountable framework that will help communities build and maintain sustainable water systems now and for future generations.”
By Lucas-Matthew Marsh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 18, 2026 at 08:35
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