“This bill limits First Nations control over water only to reserve lands. It leaves out lands where First Nations have title rights, so it does not protect our source water. The government is also ignoring court rulings. I want to know where the Conservatives stand on this.”

“Madam Speaker, it has always a pleasure to work with my hon. colleague. In the legislation, it defines first nations lands as not including “ lands over which Aboriginal title is claimed by a First Nation or has been confirmed by a court.” We know industry is set up by first nations. We also know the legislation would not give first nations jurisdiction over source water and aquifers, therefore limiting our jurisdiction to Indian Act reserve boundaries only. I am wondering if my colleague can share the Conservative position on the failure of the government to even uphold court rulings in relation to this bill.”

“Conservatives spread false information that Indigenous land rights threaten private property owners. This bill does not recognize those land rights, and companies operating near reserves will harm clean water for the Cowichan tribes. I want the member to answer for this.”

“Madam Speaker, the reality is that the Conservatives did a mass disinformation campaign around aboriginal title in the Cowichan case, saying that it threatened property owners. We know that the bill would not recognize aboriginal title and that industry has set up outside reserves, which will totally erode the protection of clean drinking water for the Cowichan tribes. Can the hon. member answer to that?”

• Vague
  ?

  Question or comment in debate

  Clarity 32 of 100

  Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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