Bill C-61: An Act Respecting Water, Source Water, Drinking Water, Wastewater and Related Infrastructure on First Nation Lands

On December 11, 2023, Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, moved to introduce into First Reading, Bill C-61, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands. The most recent draft of Bill C-61 is linked below, as amended on December 2, 2024. 

 

READ DRAFT BILL C-61 HERE

 

Timeline of Bill C-61:

  • Since 2009, there have been several resolutions passed by Chiefs-in-Assembly at the AFN related to safe drinking water for First Nations. These resolutions are outlined in detail in the Bill C-61 Backgrounder.
  • In 2021, the Class Action Litigation on Drinking Water Advisories on First Nations Settlement Agreement was signed and approved.
  • On June 23, 2022, repeal of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act received Royal Assent. The AFN and First Nations across Canada advocated for stronger, more effective legislation.
  • On December 11, 2023, Minister Hajdu moved to introduce into Bill C-61 into First Reading.
  • On June 5, 2024, Bill C-61 concluded its Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN). INAN studied and reviewed Bill C-61 clause-by-clause, and accepted requests for amendments, including those provided by the AFN and others.
  • INAN held meetings on Bill C-61 on June 12, 17 and 19, September 16, 19, 23 and 26, October 3, 7, 10 and 31, and November 4, 6, and 7, 2024.
  • Clause-by-clause consideration concluded on November 26, where INAN adopted Bill C-61 as amended and ordered the amended Bill sent back to the House of Commons for Third Reading.
  • On December 10, 2024, the AFN Executive passed a motion supporting the advancement of Bill C-61 into the Third Reading. Read the AFN’s press release here. 

 

Next Steps:

  • At Third Reading, the House of Commons will debate the final form of the Bill and a motion will be presented to adopt the Bill.
  • If adopted by the House of Commons, the amended Bill will be referred to the Senate where it will be further studied by the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA), likely starting in early 2025.
  • As of December 19, 2024, Parliament had not referred Bill C-61 to the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA) before Parliament adjourned for the 2024 holiday season. Should the Government prorogue Parliament, this will terminate this session of parliament and halt all parliamentary work and bills that have not received Royal Assent before prorogation are terminated.

The AFN is currently calling on all Members of Parliament to prioritize the advancement of Bill C-61, to ensure the legislative process is completed before a potential early election.

 

Background and Supporting Documents: