Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act

On February 29, 2012, Bill S-8, Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, was introduced in the Senate.

While the spirit of the proposed legislation is the same as former Bill S-11, which died on the Order Paper when Parliament was dissolved March 26, 2011, the Government has incorporated significant changes to the current bill based on feedback received from First Nations, Senators and Members of Parliament.

This enabling legislation is a vital step towards ensuring First Nations have the same health and safety protections for drinking water as other Canadians.

Subject to the proposed legislation receiving Royal Assent, this bill will allow the Government to develop, in partnership with First Nations, enforceable federal regulations to ensure access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water; the effective treatment of wastewater; and the protection of sources of water on First Nation lands.

On June 18, 2012, after due consideration, the bill was passed by the Senate without amendment and received first reading in the House of Commons June 19, 2012. Second reading debate began November 1, 2012 in the House of Commons. The bill is currently awaiting further second reading debate.

The Bill

You can read the entire Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act   on the Parliament of Canada's website and follow its status   throughout the parliamentary process.

Learn More

Learn more about the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act by consulting the following reference documents:

• News Release: The Government of Canada Introduces Updated Legislation to Safeguard Drinking Water Quality in First Nations Communities
• Backgrounder: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
• Frequently Asked Questions: Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
• Chronology: Water

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or comments on the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, please contact us for more information.