Twenty-five years after Walkerton, a water crisis persists
(Toronto, Ont.–May 20, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the Walkerton water crisis:
“The Walkerton water crisis was a preventable tragedy. We remember and honour those who died or became ill. This horrific event has had a profound impact on many lives. Nobody should fear the water they drink,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “But for many First Nations people in Ontario, there is a different, persistent crisis that threatens their water and wellbeing. We cannot let it continue. The status quo must change.”
Seven people died, including one infant, and 2,300 were sickened after consuming E. coli-contaminated water during Walkerton, Ont., in May 2000. The ensuing investigation and inquiry found that provincial cuts to oversight and water-safety funding played a key role in creating the crisis.
The Chiefs of Ontario extends its heartfelt sympathies to all who were impacted by the crisis.
“As we consider the lessons from the Walkerton crisis, we must also remember that there are currently 26 long-term boil water advisories in Ontario First Nations. Some of them were in place during—and even before—the Walkerton disaster. This is unacceptable.” said Regional Chief Benedict. “The whole province changed after Walkerton. New laws were enacted, best practices were established and now Ontarians can generally trust that the water that is coming out of their taps is clean and safe. This was the right thing to do and I commend the province for taking the crisis seriously. But it is also salt on the wound for First Nations who look at those changes and wonder why the same can’t be done for them.”
The previous federal government promised to end all First Nations boil-water advisories but failed. It also introduced the First Nations Clean Water Act—legislation that would enshrine as law new safety standards for drinking water, establish source-water protection mechanisms and provide financial resources so First Nations can run their water systems effectively. The Act also a commitment to establish a First Nations-run water commission to increase capacity and assist with water and wastewater services. But that legislation broke down with the last government.
There are also 17 short-term boil water advisories in effect in First Nations in Ontario—seven of which will become long-term advisories in the coming months. The federal government classifies short-term advisories as those that last less than a year, and long-term lasting longer than a year.
“Even the definitions are hard to grasp. It’s impossible to imagine that Ontario citizens living in a municipality under a boil-water advisory for 11 months would call it short-term. It’s an arbitrary distinction. If you can’t drink the water, you can’t live a normal, healthy life,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We’ve fought so hard to get to where we are. It is extremely disheartening to see a new dawn on the horizon but not be able to touch it. The new federal government must finally end these water advisories and reintroduce the First Nations Clean Water Act.”
The injustice of the First Nations water crisis has also been affirmed by the courts. First Nations took Canada court in a class action lawsuit, getting an $8-billion settlement which included funds for compensation for affected individuals, a renewed commitment to end the advisories and to modernize First Nations water legislation. The settlement included $6 billion to support safe and reliable drinking water for First Nations.
But many of the terms of that settlement are yet to be met. And now, the issue is back in court as First Nations again try to force Canada to fulfill its legal, fiduciary and Treaty obligations to First Nations. Last week, Pikangikum First Nation, a remote Ojibway Nation in northwestern Ontario, declared a state of emergency over its broken and faltering water and wastewater infrastructure. Now, it’s taking the case to Federal Court seeking emergency interim funding to address the longstanding issues in the community, as well as damages.
“First Nations will not let this issue go away until it is fixed once and for all. We deserve nothing less. And Canada will continue to find itself defending its actions in court if it doesn’t implement lasting and positive changes. I hope the new federal government recognizes that it’s far easier—and more just—to work with us outside of the courts. Let’s get this done,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “When protective oversight and legislation is removed or curtailed for political and financial gain, we run the risk of another tragedy like Walkerton.”
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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.
Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org
