The federal government has no legal duty to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water, even if Liberal ministers publicly suggest otherwise, Justice Canada lawyers say. The plaintiffs argue First Nations have a basic human right to clean water that Canada has violated, describing the conditions facing their communities as "an urgent human rights crisis." "Canada does not owe any legal obligations or duties to operate and maintain the plaintiffs' water systems," says the statement of defence. There were 105 long-term drinking water advisories in November 2015. "I was asked questions that sought to blame me and my band council for our long-term drinking water advisory," Hill wrote.

Source: CBC News October 08, 2024 18:08 UTC