First Nations water bill tabled

The federal government has introduced a bill to regulate drinking water on First Nations reserves.

This proposed legislation, tabled in the Senate by Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl,follows from the recommendations made by the auditor general's office, the expert panel on safe drinking water for First Nationsand the standing Senate committee on aboriginal peoples.

The proposed safe drinking water for First Nations act would allow for the development of federal regulations for drinking water and wastewater toapply in First Nation communities.

Strahlalso announced a two-year extension of the First Nations water and wastewater action plan, at a cost of $330 million.

"First Nations should expect, as do all Canadians, to have access to safe, clean drinking water," Strahl said.

Althoughlegislation for drinking water and wastewater has been developed in provinces and territories,it does not existin First Nation communities.

Since provinces and territories have existing regulations governing drinking water and wastewater, the federal government would reviewthem to identify areas that can be adapted into federal regulations. At the same time, the law would allow for regional differences and recognize the unique water challenges facing many First Nation communities.

The proposed bill would:

• Provide First Nation communities with drinking water and wastewater standards comparablewith provincial or territorial standards off reserves.
• Offermore opportunities for First Nation communities and municipalities to work together in areas such as training and sharing systems.
• Establish a common base to evaluate the effectiveness of the operation, design and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
• Allow for regional flexibility, as federal regulations could vary from province to province and territory to territory.