Chief Erica Beaudin disappointed by Conservatives’ clean water political tactic [Video]

OTTAWA –

A prominent Saskatchewan First Nation Chief has accused Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer of using legislation to recognize the right to safe drinking water as a political “tactic.”

Cowessess First Nation Chief Erica Beaudin says she is disappointed by what transpired in the House of Commons on Thursday.

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Government legislation, Bill C-61, recognizes that First Nations have an inherent right to clean drinking water and commits the government to provide adequate and sustainable funding for water services in First Nations.

Due to the ongoing gridlock in Parliament, Liberal MP Jaime Battiste, who is Mi’kmaq from Eskasoni First Nation, asked for unanimous consent from MPs to send the bill to Senate Thursday. But several Conservative MPs said no.

Scheer, whose riding includes Cowessess, rose immediately afterward with a similar motion, but included language that also condemned …