(June 16, 2026 – Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Ont. ) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario are responding to the tabling of An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands from the Government of Canada.

“The re-introduction of this legislation is a significant step, and we will be looking closely at whether it delivers the protections, recognition, and commitments First Nations have long called for,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “While there are notable stipulations included that show Canada’s commitment to addressing the full costs of drinking water and wastewater systems in First Nations across Canada, there remains some concern surrounding sections that have weakened the recognition of our inherent rights.”

The Chiefs of Ontario note that the new legislation reflects a shift away from explicit recognition of First Nations rights and instead toward a framework more closely tied to provincial economic concerns and jurisdictional alignment.

“The original legislation (former Bill C-61), which underwent over two years of co-development with First Nations and as a result of over two decades of advocacy, included legislative recognition of First Nations peoples’ constitutionally-protected inherent right of self-government as it relates to some aspects of water and related infrastructure on, in, and under First Nation lands,” said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Anishinabek Nation.

“We are happy to see that much of the constitutional jurisdiction recognized in the original legislation is reflected in the bill tabled today. We are concerned, however, that a limitation has been introduced as it relates to water in ‘protection zones’, and that this change was introduced without broad or meaningful input by First Nations. In light of these changes that reduce Canada’s legislated requirements to collaborate with First Nations and involve us in co-development of regulations, we are concerned that the new bill and related process may reflect a prioritization of provincial economic interests and assertions of jurisdiction over First Nations’ health, well-being, infrastructure, and constitutional rights and jurisdiction.”

Chiefs of Ontario leadership emphasize that these concerns can and should be addressed through the parliamentary and committee process in partnership with First Nations.

While the Chiefs of Ontario and First Nations Leadership are pleased to see source water remain in the new version of the legislation, there is more work to be done to entrench source water protection as a legal obligation.

“Source water is a key first step in protecting and providing safe water and wastewater. The Walkerton crisis proved that water management failure is fatal,” said Grand Chief Debassige. “We are hopeful that source water protections can be further enhanced to guarantee First Nations the same legally enforceable protections that all municipalities received immediately after the crisis. We must move forward together to ensure geography and jurisdiction do not dictate our health outcomes.”

“We have communities that have been on boil water advisories for decades. We have adults that have lived their whole lives without ever having access to clean, safe drinking water. We are ground zero for the water crisis in this country, and we need to take action now,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. “We welcome this legislation, and the foundation it sets for securing clean water for our communities and setting minimum standards for drinking water. As we have been throughout this process, we remain committed to working with our government partners to ensure that no more children grow up having to worry about the water coming out of their tap.”

First Nations are determined to work with Canada to ensure that this legislation moves through the process in a good way. Chiefs of Ontario looks forward to collaborating with Canada in the committee process to strengthen the bill and produce the strongest piece of legislation possible.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184