Empty water jugs hanging outside homes in Neskantaga First Nation serve as a stark reminder of Canada’s longest-standing boil-water advisory, highlighting a promise unfulfilled as the election approaches. Despite nearly a decade since the commitment for safe drinking water for all First Nations by Justin Trudeau, the community continues to face significant challenges. The accumulation of empty plastic bottles illustrates the ongoing struggle, with residents uncertain about cleanup and resolution efforts.
Since 1995, Neskantaga, located northeast of Thunder Bay, has been under a boil-water advisory due to unsafe drinking water. This situation remains unresolved, despite Ottawa’s investment of $4.61 billion in water projects since 2015. Although 147 long-term advisories have been lifted, new issues emerge, with four new advisories added in 2025 alone, leaving 35 still in effect.
The original pledge to end boil-water advisories in 93 First Nations communities was made in 2015 by Justin Trudeau during a town hall event. However, by December 2020, the government admitted it would not meet the timeline, with 59 advisories still in place. A subsequent class-action settlement in 2021 offered $1.8 billion in compensation and $6 billion for water infrastructure projects, along with plans to modernize drinking water legislation.
The First Nations Clean Water Act, aimed at establishing safe drinking water as a basic human right and setting quality standards, stalled when Parliament was prorogued. Calls for its reintroduction persist, with Grand Chief Linda Debassige emphasizing the need for Canada’s prioritization of First Nations issues.
In Neskantaga, the community endures by boiling water and using outdoor osmosis stations, while also managing the disposal of government-supplied water bottles. Despite funding for a water treatment plant upgrade in 2017, temporary solutions have not met the community’s long-term needs.
A letter of commitment from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) was received in early 2023, promising the design and construction of a new water plant, alongside rectifying existing deficiencies. ISC has invested $31.5 million in upgrades and operational support, and is backing initiatives for community healing and mental wellness.
Restoring trust in the water supply is a significant challenge, intertwined with trauma and mental health issues stemming from the prolonged advisory. The path to reliable, safe drinking water for First Nations communities remains a critical concern, underscoring the need for enduring solutions and committed action.
