Delayed introduction of First Nations clean water bill 'unacceptable,' say chiefs

Chiefs in Ontario are denouncing the federal government’s delayed introduction of a bill to ensure First Nations have safe drinking water, amid concerns Canada intends to weaken the proposed legislation before tabling it.

First Nations leaders outlined their fears at a news conference on Parliament Hill on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his minority Liberal government plans to table a successor to Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act , in the spring.

Bill C-61 died when the previous Liberal government suspended Parliament earlier this year, and Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige says it’s unacceptable it still hasn’t been revived. The Anishinabek Nation advocates for 39 First Nations across Ontario.

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