Canada: First Nations shall be heard

Nunavut’s federal representative acted as an advocate for Canada’s First Nations earlier this month, criticizing a lack of consultation over a bill aimed at improving access to clean water. Bill C-61, a First Nations Clean Water Act, is intended to strengthen protections for drinking water. It includes changes that would allow for a water commission to be run by First Nations. The bill is currently before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

NDP MP Lori Idlout sits on the Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee. She criticized Liberal and Conservative MPs for voting against proposed amendments based on recommendations from First Nations leaders. Idlout said in an interview with Nunatsiaq News:

“I’m finding it frustrating to see that they’re not willing to truly make a real effort to have reconciliation with First Nations.”

She relayed observations made by Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, after his two-week tour of Canada in April that included Nunavut.

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