Carney Delays First Nations Clean Water Bill to Spring as Chiefs Demand Stronger Commitments

Prime Minister Mark Carney has postponed the introduction of legislation guaranteeing First Nations’ right to clean drinking water, pushing it from this fall to the spring. Addressing the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Ottawa, Carney said he will convene a joint meeting with federal, provincial, territorial and First Nations leaders early next year, noting that co-ordinated action and long-term solutions remain essential.
Carney highlighted progress made since 2016, reporting that 85% of drinking water advisories on reserves have been resolved through more than $7 billion in investments. He said his government is committed to eliminating the remaining 38 advisories, adding another $2.3 billion in Budget 2025 to complete the work. According to Carney, permanent protections and a sustainable funding model must be part of the new legislation to ensure safe water for future generations.
The delay comes amid tension between federal and provincial governments over the proposed bill. Alberta and Ontario previously urged Ottawa to abandon the legislation, arguing it would impede development and raise costs. Meanwhile, First Nations leaders insist the government must follow through on its commitments, warning that meaningful consultation and shared decision-making are non-negotiable.
In addition to water legislation, Carney pledged to advance reforms to child and family services to ensure more First Nations children remain connected to their communities, languages and cultures. However, his remarks were overshadowed by growing frustration within the AFN. Chiefs voted unanimously to defend the long-standing oil tanker ban on British Columbia’s north coast and rejected any move that could pave the way for a new oil pipeline. Leaders argued that such a project threatens Indigenous rights, lands, and marine livelihoods.
AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized the federal government for insufficient consultation and reduced investments in First Nations communities. She warned that no economic initiative will succeed without First Nations’ approval, stressing that rights-holders will not be bypassed. Carney’s cabinet ministers are expected to address chiefs throughout the gathering as pressure mounts for concrete commitments rather than promises.