Question Period Note: Water and wastewater

N.A.

• The Government of Canada continues to partner with First Nations to lift all drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves as quickly as possible.

• As of October 20, 2025, with support from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First Nations have lifted 149 long-term drinking water advisories and over 315 short-term advisories, preventing them from becoming long-term.

• 97.5% of public water systems on reserve meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

• Action plans are in place in 36 communities to resolve the 38 active long-term advisories.

First Nation communities manage their drinking water systems, including operations, maintenance, and local decision-making, while ISC provides funding, technical support, and policy guidance to help First Nations maintain and improve water infrastructure and train water operators. To help protect the health of residents, ISC also works in partnership with First Nations to assist communities in verifying the monitoring of drinking water quality in all water systems at the tap, which includes providing advice and guidance about drinking water safety and wastewater disposal.

Drinking water advisories are issued to protect the public from drinking water that is potentially, or confirmed to be, unsafe, based on water quality testing. In many First Nation communities, there are several types of water systems. Based on the type of water system, a drinking water advisory could affect one building or the whole community. Drinking water advisories are issued by First Nations in their communities. Drinking water advisories are put in place for various reasons. For instance, a community may issue an advisory if there are problems in the overall water system, such as water line breaks, equipment failure, or poor filtration/disinfection during water treatment.
Communities may also choose to issue a drinking water advisory as a precautionary measure, such as when there are emergency repairs in the water distribution system or if a community does not have an operator in place to ensure the safety of the drinking water.
Recently lifted long-term drinking water advisories (LTDWAs):
• In October 2025, Weenusk First Nation in Ontario lifted the LTDWA on their public water system after completing training for their operators and community-based water monitor and sampling results demonstrate water quality meets all requirements.
• In May 2025, Sweetgrass First Nation in Saskatchewan lifted the LTDWA on their public water system, after completing upgrades and an expansion to their water treatment system.
• In November 2024, English River First Nation lifted the LTDWA on their public water system, following the completion of upgrades to the water treatment plant were completed in September 2024. A new water operator was hired and is keeping the community's water safe.

Recent LTDWAs:
Community LTDWA Effective Date Details
Grassy Narrows First Nation August 29, 2025 Currently working on design and construction of a new plant. Once complete, they should be able to lift the advisory.
Shawanaga First Nation July 11, 2025 Currently working to repair and upgrade their water system. Once complete, they should be able to lift the advisory.
Mishkeegogamang First Nation May 8, 2025 Currently working on repairs. Once complete, they should be able to lift the advisory. A project to upgrade and expand their plant is also underway.
Berens River First Nation May 8, 2025 Working to upgrade their plant and currently have access to clean drinking water through a bottling station. When complete, they should be able to lift the advisory.

If pressed on the Budget 2025 announcement

• Through Budget 2025, the Government of Canada proposes $2.3 billion over 3 years (2026-27 to 2028-29) to support improved access to safe drinking water on reserve.

• This proposed investment will build on the $7.1 billion in funding committed since 2016 to support First Nations water and wastewater infrastructure.

• ISC will continue to work in partnership with First Nations to ensure access to safe drinking water now and for future generations. If pressed on what is being done to ensure safe drinking water
• ISC provides advice and financial support to First Nations.

• Local, trained water operators ensure long-term, sustainable access to safe drinking water in First Nations communities.

• In 2024-2025, ISC invested approximately $1.1 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure and is on-track for spending a similar amount in the current fiscal year. This funding will support projects that serve 595 First Nation communities.

• ISC will continue to work in partnership with First Nations to build a sustainable foundation and increase access to clean drinking water on reserves for generations to come. If pressed on operations and maintenance funding

• Water operators are key to ensuring communities have access to clean drinking water and reliable infrastructure.

• ISC is working closely with First Nations to support the improvement of water operator salaries, retention and training, and in ensuring the longevity of their water and wastewater infrastructure.

• In 2023-24, ISC invested close to $350 million to support operations and maintenance of water and wastewater systems on reserve. If pressed on First Nations Water Legislation
• The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to support safe and clean drinking water, now and in the future.

• The Government has committed to introduce legislation that affirms a human right to clean drinking water on First Nation lands. If pressed on the state of emergency in Pimicikamak Cree Nation (aka Cross Lake First Nation)

• A water crisis prompted a state of emergency on August 19 after a boil water advisory was placed on the Natimek Public Water System on August 13, 2025 due to aging water infrastructure.

• Repairs have been made to the water treatment plant and it is operational and able to meet demand. A large distribution system leak was also repaired and no further leaks have been detected. A boil water advisory remains in place.

• The design of a new water plant is underway and is being funded by ISC. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, pending the confirmation of available funding sources. If pressed on the Shamattawa safe drinking water class action
• The Government of Canada respects the choice of Indigenous groups, including Shamattawa First Nation, to seek the Court’s assistance on the issue of safe drinking water.

• On October 7-9, 2024, the Court heard submissions from both Parties to determine whether Canada has a legal duty to provide safe drinking water. The Court has not yet released a decision.
• ISC continues to work closely with First Nations to help support access to clean drinking water for everyone in First Nations communities. If pressed on other water and wastewater litigation
• Everyone in Canada should have access to reliable, safe and clean drinking water.

• The Government of Canada respects the choice of First Nations to seek the Court’s assistance on the important issue of safe drinking water.

• ISC continues to work closely with First Nations to help support access to clean drinking water for everyone in First Nations communities. If pressed on the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Status Report
• We acknowledge the Auditor General of Canada’s follow-up report on programs for First Nations.

• Indigenous Services Canada agrees that more needs to be done to support First Nations’ access to clean and safe drinking water on reserves.

• Ensuring that First Nations people have access to clean and safe drinking water – including lifting all outstanding long-term drinking water advisories – remains a top priority for the Department.

• We continue to work with First Nation communities to support construction, repair and maintenance of water systems on reserves.