Courts approve settlement in class action for clean water in First Nations
by CM Staff
The class actions are led by representative plaintiffs Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation.
OTTAWA — The Federal Court and the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba issued a joint decision approving an agreement to settle class-action litigation related to safe drinking water in First Nations communities, according to a statement from Indigenous Services Canada.
An appeals period of approximately 60 days will follow the courts’ approval of the settlement agreement.
The class actions are led by representative plaintiffs Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation.
The terms of the settlement agreement were previously announced on July 30, 2021, and include the following:
$1.5 billion in compensation for individuals deprived of clean drinking water
the creation of a $400 million First Nation Economic and Cultural Restoration Fund a renewed commitment to Canada’s Action Plan for the lifting of all long-term drinking water advisories.
The creation of a First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water
support for First Nations to develop their own safe drinking water by-laws and initiatives a commitment of at least $6 billion to support reliable access to safe drinking water on reserves.
The planned modernization of Canada’s First Nations drinking water legislation.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with all First Nations, including Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation, to address water concerns. Together, we will develop sustainable, long-term solutions so that future generations do not have to worry about the safety of their drinking water.
