EDMONTON — An Alberta First Nation has revived a lawsuit it launched 10 years ago in an effort to get the federal government to recognize its human right to clean, safe water.
The Ermineskin Cree Nation says Ottawa's proposed legislation on First Nations drinking water fails to recognize that people on reserves have the same right to trust what comes out of their tap as every Canadian."We have tried to work with Canada over the past decade but things have only gotten worse … Bill C-61 fails to recognize that we have right to safe drinking water."
Band officials said they've reactivated the suit over the proposed legislation dealing with water treatment, which is currently before a Parliamentary committee. "Bill C-61 must effectively address the shameful record of Canada's failure to ensure First Nations have access to safe drinking water," it says."Canada's promises of 'best efforts' in the bill are not good enough.
But the conditions of the settlement left many bands out. A class action with about 60 bands, which has been certified by the courts, has been filed by the Shamattawa First Nation in Manitoba. The issue runs wider than concerns over the health impacts. Wildcat said the water problems affect economic development on the reserve.
"Canada denies breaching any such duty or obligation," it says."Canada has taken extensive measures … to provide access to safe drinking water on reserves."
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