Canada’s proposed clean water act needs stronger protections for Indigenous communities.
The Canadian government has just reintroduced long-awaited First Nations drinking water legislation, tabling Bill C-37 in the House of Commons in June.
The proposed First Nations Clean Water Act replaces Bill C-61, landmark legislation that was co-developed with First Nations but ultimately died when Parliament was prorogued in early 2025.
The former Bill C-61 was a product of meaningful co-development, shaped through years of engagement grounded in recognition of First Nations’ rights. It explicitly affirmed access to clean and safe drinking water as a human right and reflected a collaborative approach between First Nations and the federal government.
By contrast, Bill C-37 is a potential step back. In its current form, it would weaken key legal provisions, particularly those related to rights and governance.
