Today, we stand at a crossroads. Members of Parliament have a critical opportunity to right this historic wrong by supporting Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act. For the first time in our nation’s history, the human right to water for First Nations would be enshrined in law.

Water is more than a resource—it is fairness. Fairness for communities robbed of clean water by systemic neglect. Fairness for generations of children who deserve a future without boil-water advisories. Fairness for every Canadian who believes that reconciliation must be built on justice, not just words.

The roots of water injustice in Canada run deep. Decades of underfunding, neglect, and ill-conceived policies have compounded the issue, leaving First Nations communities to bear the brunt. Legislation under the previous Conservative government attempted to address the problem but did so in ways that ignored Indigenous voices, applying one-size-fits-all solutions that only perpetuated inequities.

In June 2022, we repealed those ineffective measures. Since 2015, this government has been working with First Nations to lift 145 long-term drinking water advisories, with plans in place to address the remaining ones. But lifting advisories is only part of the solution. True progress means building sustainable infrastructure, training local operators, and ensuring communities never again face the uncertainty of unsafe water.

Bill C-61 is more than a piece of legislation. It is a promise to end the injustice of unsafe water in Indigenous communities. It reflects a commitment to provide sustainable funding, empower First Nations to manage their own water systems, and uphold the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including the inherent right to self-determination.

As Chief Water Commissioner of the Anishinaabe Nation, Autumn Peltier, has said, “Water is a basic human right, and it is the responsibility of everyone to protect it for future generations. Our ancestors have taught us to honour and respect water, and it’s time for Canada to do the same.”

Key to this legislation is the establishment of a First Nations Water Commission. This body will support communities as they regain control over their drinking water and wastewater services. It will oversee the implementation of national standards while reflecting the unique needs and priorities of Indigenous communities. These measures ensure that water governance is rooted in respect and partnership—not imposed solutions.

This Act builds on progress already made, including the $1.5 billion settlement approved by the Federal Court in 2021 and the creation of a $400 million First Nation Economic and Cultural Restoration Fund. These steps acknowledge past harms while laying the foundation for a fairer future.

Reconciliation requires action, and Bill C-61 is action. It is a testament to the voices of Indigenous leaders and communities who shaped its principles. It affirms that access to clean water is not just a right but a cornerstone of justice and dignity.

This legislation represents fairness for every generation. It ensures that future generations—First Nations children, grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren—can trust in something as essential as the water they drink. It is a critical step toward a Canada where every community, no matter how remote, has access to safe, clean water.

Water is life. Water is fairness. And water is reconciliation. Let us not squander this opportunity to uphold the dignity of every community and deliver on the promise of justice for all. Members of Parliament must come together now to pass Bill C-61. Because protecting water means protecting life—for every generation to come.

Patty Hajdu is the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada