First Nations and Ottawa agree to $8-billion settlement on drinking water advisories
Source: CBC News
First Nations and Ottawa agree to $8-billion settlement on drinking water advisories
More than 142,000 class members and 120 First Nations may be compensated if the court approves the settlement
Olivia Stefanovich, Richard Raycraft · CBC News · Posted: Jul 30, 2021 3:35 PM ET | Last Updated: July 31
A proposed settlement agreement worth nearly $8 billion has been reached in two national class action lawsuits launched against the federal government by First Nations living under drinking water advisories.
The settlement, which is awaiting court approval, would offer $1.5 billion in compensation to individuals deprived of clean drinking water and modernize Canada's First Nations drinking water legislation.
About 142,000 individuals from 258 First Nations could be compensated, along with 120 First Nations. Depending on the details of the final agreement, more people may end up being eligible for compensation.
Individuals' compensation will be calculated based on how remote their communities are, how long they lived under a drinking water advisory and whether they suffered any adverse health conditions as a result.
The proposal also requires the federal government to renew its commitment to lifting all long-term drinking water advisories on reserves.
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Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/drinking-water-class-action-proposed-settlement-1.6123251