In 2021, Federal Court approved a class-action settlement between Canada and several First Nations that were subject to long-term drinking water advisories from 1995 to 2021. Now, settlement negotiators have extended the deadline for First Nations to submit a claim until March 7. If the Band Council Acceptance Resolution that a First Nation files with the settlement administrator is accepted, it will receive a $500,000 base payment and be eligible for additional payments of up to 50% of the amounts paid to eligible individuals in the community.
Process to apply for First Nations drinking water compensation now open
As of today, residents of First Nations impacted by long-term boil-water advisories can apply for compensation as part of a class-action lawsuit taking aim at the Federal government. The $8 billion First Nations Drinking Water Settlement, reached in December 2021, earmarked $1.8 billion in compensation for impacted First Nations, as well as a $6 billion commitment for construction and maintenance of safe water infrastructure in communities across Canada. Any First Nation member who lived in a community affected by a boil-water advisory lasting more than a year between November 20, 1995 and June 20, 2021, is eligible for compensation.