First Nations leaders want drinking water bill within 100 days of Parliament’s return

First Nations leaders are calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to address a number of key priorities within the first 100 days of Canada’s new Parliament. Senator Paul Prosper, representing Nova Scotia, emphasized the importance of economic development, housing, infrastructure, and progress on reconciliation in line with Carney’s stated priorities.

Supported by chiefs across Nova Scotia and National Chief Cindy Woodhouse of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Prosper urged the federal government to invest in Indigenous prosperity by resolving outstanding land claims disputes and introducing legislation to increase financing for Indigenous projects. Additionally, he stressed the need for investment in Indigenous-led housing projects, as Indigenous people make up 35% of the homeless population despite comprising only 5% of the Canadian population.

Carney’s housing plan, which includes $6 billion in grants for affordable housing, supportive housing, Indigenous housing, and shelters, was highlighted as a crucial step towards addressing the housing crisis facing Indigenous communities. The Prime Minister also committed to helping finance initiatives and bringing infrastructure in Indigenous communities up to date, along with implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the federal level.

In addition to these priorities, First Nations leaders are calling for agreements between Indigenous Services Canada and Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw chiefs on disability payments and information sharing. They also want to see drinking water standards enshrined in law, building on Minister Patty Hajdu’s proposed legislation to establish national standards and sustainable funding for maintaining water quality in First Nations communities.

Furthermore, the leaders are advocating for an independent review of a recent incident involving Mi’kmaw fishermen detained by Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) officers. They are urging for the investigation to be completed within 100 days of Parliament’s return, along with adjustments to DFO’s mandate to ensure compliance with Indigenous fisheries laws and management structures.

As the new session of Parliament commences on May 26, First Nations leaders are hopeful that Prime Minister Carney will prioritize these key issues to advance Indigenous rights and well-being in Canada.