Can PM Trudeau keep drinkable water promise to First Nations?

Since forming government, the Liberals have lifted 32 drinking water advisories. However, 22 new advisories have been added in that time.

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged to eradicate all drinking water advisories in First Nations communities by March 2021. With three years left and more than 60 communities still turning to alternative water sources for drinking, bathing and cooking, critics are weary about the pace and scope of work left to be done.

As of Dec. 21, there were 67 long-term drinking water advisories in effect for public water systems managed by the federal government. These drinking water warnings have been in place for over a year. There are an additional 18 communities that are currently at risk of developing long-term drinking water advisories, meaning they’ve had water issues for between two and 12 months.

Since forming government, the Liberals have lifted 32 drinking water advisories. However, 22 new advisories have been added in that time, according to the Indigenous and Northern Affairs department. On the Liberals’ mandate tracker, the promise—which is wrapped into a category about improving essential Indigenous infrastructure—is listed as “underway with challenges.” “There’s a sense of you make two steps forward, one […]

Full article: Can PM Trudeau keep drinkable water promise to First Nations?

More about: Native Americans, First Nations, and treaty rights