Canada’s largest First Nation is pursuing legal action against the federal government due to inadequate water systems that fail to serve most households on their reserve. Six Nations of the Grand River, located within Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe—the nation’s most densely populated area—demands immediate improvements and at least $25 million in compensation.
Despite being in a region where millions have access to tap water through extensive municipal networks, Six Nations experiences a vastly different situation. A modern water-treatment facility serves only 30 percent of the 13,000 residents. The remaining 70 percent depend on unregulated wells and cisterns, which have shown high levels of harmful bacteria and contaminants, according to the claim filed in Ontario Superior Court. The lawsuit highlights physical health risks including gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory infections due to contaminated water sources.
The federal government has yet to respond legally, and the allegations remain untested in court. Indigenous Services Canada acknowledges the situation, emphasizing the need for safe and clean drinking water across Canada and respecting the First Nations’ decision to seek judicial intervention.
The previous Liberal government, led by Justin Trudeau, had prioritized eliminating long-term drinking water advisories for First Nations within five years after taking office in 2015. Though the target was missed, the advisories were reduced from 133 to 35. A class-action settlement in 2021 provided approximately $8 billion to affected First Nations, contingent on proving advisories lasting a year or more, which Six Nations could not demonstrate despite longstanding issues.
The primary challenge for Six Nations is not the quality of water treatment but its distribution. A relatively modern plant, constructed in 2013 at a cost of $41 million, produces water that meets basic standards, although it remains inaccessible to most residents. Community members, like Dawn Martin-Hill, founder of McMaster University’s Indigenous Studies program, rely on cisterns filled by truck deliveries, incurring costs of about $250 monthly, excluding initial infrastructure expenses.
In 2023, the Trudeau administration proposed legislation recognizing safe drinking water as a fundamental right for all First Nations, setting quality standards and protecting water sources on reserves, though this initiative stalled with a parliamentary prorogation. On the political front, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has vowed to enshrine these rights, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre suggests a new tax strategy to support water infrastructure through industrial revenue.
The lawsuit underscores the community’s impatience with unfulfilled commitments and seeks judicial intervention to address unsafe drinking water and sewage conditions. Prof. Martin-Hill stresses the federal government’s failure to provide necessary resources for parity with neighboring regions in terms of essential services, leading to the legal pursuit.
The Evolving Landscape
The legal battle initiated by Six Nations of the Grand River highlights the significant disparity in access to clean water within Canada, a nation known for its abundant freshwater resources. This case could set a precedent for other First Nations facing similar challenges, urging the government to reassess and enhance infrastructure support and ensure equitable water distribution across all communities.
For residents of Six Nations, the lawsuit represents a crucial step toward obtaining essential services long denied. Improved water systems could result in better health outcomes, reduced financial burdens related to water procurement, and enhanced quality of life. The broader implications of this case might catalyze legislative and policy changes, promoting a more inclusive approach to resource allocation and infrastructure development nationwide.
