The federal government is promising nearly $8-billion to settle class action lawsuits dealing with safe drinking water in First Nations.
Neskantaga First Nation officials were part of the announcement of the Agreement in Principle Friday, alongside Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller.
The agreement includes $1.5-billion in compensation for people deprived of clean drinking water, and plans to update Canada’s First Nations drinking water laws.
It would create a $400-million First Nation Economic and Cultural Restoration Fund, and includes a renewed commitment to Canada’s Action Plan for the lifting of all long-term drinking water advisories.
The federal Liberals are promising to support all First Nations to develop their own safe drinking water by-laws and initiatives, and committing at least $6-billion toward reliable access to safe drinking water on reserve.
Neskantaga has been under a boil water advisory since 1995.
