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. However, Parliament did not refer Bill C-61 to the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples before Parliament adjourned for the 2024 holiday season, and an election was called in early 2025. The Bill did not reach Third Reading and effectively died with Parliament was prorogued.

 

2025 Updates: In 2025, Federal Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty identified in an e-mailed statement that the federal government will be reintroducing Bill C-61 in the Fall of 2025.

 

Background and Supporting Documents: