Ottawa –
It would be a “deep disappointment” if a First Nations drinking water bill dies completely before the next election, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said Thursday.
The bill would lead to a landmark change for First Nations, ensuring they have reliable access to clean drinking water and the ability to protect source water on their territories.
Both Hajdu and National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak pushed for its passage in recent months including in December after MPs failed to give unanimous consent to pass the bill and send it to the Senate.
It is now in danger of not proceeding at all because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament until March and any bill that hadn’t passed is dead unless MPs agree to restore it.
Hadju said the government will …