Bill Detail
An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands
This enactment affirms that the inherent right to self-government, recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, includes the jurisdiction of First Nations in relation to water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on, in and under First Nation lands. It sets out principles, such as substantive equality, to guide the provision for First Nations of clean and safe drinking water and the effective treatment and disposal of wastewater on First Nation lands. It provides for minimum standards for water quality and quantity and wastewater effluent. It also provides pathways to facilitate source water protection.
Bill C-37 asserts that First Nations have the inherent right to govern water, including source water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on their lands. The bill establishes principles like substantive equality to ensure First Nations receive clean drinking water and have effective wastewater treatment. It also sets minimum standards for water quality, quantity, and wastewater effluent, and provides ways to protect source water.