The settlement, which is awaiting court approval, would offer $1.5 billion in compensation to individuals deprived of clean drinking water and modernize Canada's First Nations drinking water legislation. The proposal also requires the federal government to renew its commitment to lifting all long-term drinking water advisories on reserves. The proposal would see the federal government commit at least $6 billion in previously announced funding to provide reliable access to safe drinking water on reserves, create a First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water, support First Nations' efforts to develop their own drinking water by-laws and initiatives and make Ottawa responsible for private water systems, such as wells. Currently, there are 51 long-term drinking water advisories in 32 First Nations, according to Indigenous Services Canada. The class includes all members of First Nations whose communities were subjected to drinking water advisories — including boil water advisories, do-not-consume advisories and do not use advisories — which lasted at least one year between November 20, 1995 and now.

Source: CBC News July 30, 2021 19:36 UTC