First Nations Advisory Committee
on Safe Drinking Water
Informing – First Nations of the obligation Canada has to fund the actual cost of providing them with safe clean drinking water meeting specific standards of quality and quantity
Supporting – First Nations in accessing this funding, and in their dealings with Canada
Connecting – First Nations with experts to assist them in the funding request process
Protecting – First Nations’ rights to receive actual cost funding for water services that meet the specified quality and quantity standards through the CDRP
About the First Nations Advisory Committee
The First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water (the “FNAC”) was created as part of the settlement reached in 2021 by First Nations and the government of Canada regarding compensation for individuals and First Nations who were subject to prolonged drinking-water advisories (the “Settlement”). The mandate of the FNAC is to provide guidance and support to First Nations who are seeking funding for water and wastewater infrastructure and to ensure Canada is meeting its funding obligations under the Settlement.
Available Funding
The Settlement Agreement requires Canada to spend at least $6 billion before 31 March 2030 to fund the actual cost of construction, upgrading, operation and maintenance of water and waste water infrastructure that provides all First Nations with clean water that meets specified quality and quantity standards. Canada is also obligated to provide a further $9 million in funding to assist First Nations to pursue governance initiatives and by-law development related to the delivery of this water.
Commitment Dispute Resolution Process
This process applies when disagreements occur between Canada and an eligible First Nation about whether Canada is meeting its commitment to provide actual cost funding for appropriate water and waste water infrastructure. This dispute resolution process is to take place in the First Nation’s community in a manner that respects the First Nation’s language, legal traditions and protocols.
The New Water Act
On June 16, 2026, Canada introduced Bill C-37, the proposed new Replacement Legislation (“Second Replacement Legislation”), which replaced the initial Bill C-61. The Second Replacement Legislation includes terms that at a minimum reflect and support key elements of the Settlement. Bill C-37 sets minimum standards for drinking water on reserve and includes a requirement that a sufficient quantity of water be available to meet the community’s needs. This includes drinking, cooking, sanitation, and hygiene needs, as well as safety, fire protection and emergency management needs, based on both current and projected water usage. Minimum standards for wastewater effluent are also included.
News
Stay informed on the latest information regarding water, wastewater, related infrastructure, and governance impacting First Nations.
Bill to ensure clean drinking water systems on First Nations dies with Parliament’s prorogation
Source: The Globe and Mail (PDF)
Bill to ensure clean drinking water systems on First Nations dies with Parliament’s prorogation
Source: The Globe and Mail (PDF)
Bill to ensure clean drinking water systems on First Nations dies with Parliament’s prorogation
Source: The Globe and Mail (PDF)
Bill to ensure clean drinking water systems on First Nations dies with Parliament’s prorogation
Source: The Globe and Mail (PDF)