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Indigenous Affairs

During question period on Indigenous Affairs, the NDP’s Leah Gazan asked about the newly tabled First Nations Clean Water Act (Bill C-37), saying its definition of “First Nation lands” covers only reserve lands and asking whether the rights the bill references apply across all traditional territories, not just reserves. Minister Mandy Gull-Masty replied that First Nations will set their own minimum water standards both on and off their lands and will work with provinces and territories to do so, adding that the government has partnered with First Nations on this work for the first time and will continue supporting it.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Leah Gazan

NDP
“The new water bill only covers reserve lands. Indigenous rights apply to all traditional lands, not just reserves. Will the minister confirm that these rights apply across all traditional territories?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the minister tabled Bill C‑37 yesterday, yet its definition of “First Nation lands” is limited to reserve lands under section 91(24) of the BNA Act. While the bill repeatedly references UNDRIP’s application, it appears restricted to reserves. Indigenous peoples have rights that extend beyond reserve boundaries into their traditional territories. Can the minister confirm that UNDRIP, including article 25, applies throughout indigenous peoples’ traditional territories and not just on reserve, yes or no?

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Mandy Gull-Masty

Liberal
“First Nations need to set their own water standards, both on their lands and beyond. They also need to work with the provinces and territories to do this. For the first time, our government has partnered with them to make that happen. We will keep supporting them in this work.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

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    None of this answer addressed the specific question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am happy that my colleague has asked that question. It is one of great importance, because we know that first nations have to do the work of expanding the minimum standards that are now applicable in their communities and setting the regulatory gaps for in communities and out of communities, working, negotiating and collaborating in partnership with provincial and territorial governments. For the first time ever, this government has been able to secure that in collaboration. We will support them in community and out, in partnership, at all tables, because we want to honour the work we do with them.

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