Indigenous community members may be eligible for compensation

Those who are a part of an Indigenous community may have an opportunity to make a claim for compensation.

Last year, the courts approved a settlement between Canada and First Nations who were subject to a drinking water advisory that lasted at least one year between Nov. 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.

The deadline for individuals to submit a claim is Mar. 7, 2023. 

The settlement includes compensation for impacted First Nations and eligible individuals, as well as commitments to fund the construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure needed to provide regular access to clean, safe drinking water in their homes in a quantity sufficient for everyday use, reads a news release from organizers of The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement.

“We are encouraging individuals to submit a claim for compensation as soon as possible and are offering real support to help them in the process,” said Darian Baskatawang from class counsel, in the news release.

“Claimants can ask us as class counsel questions related to this settlement and for assistance making a claim for specified injuries. Claimants can also contact the administrator to understand how they may apply for compensation and access free support completing their claim form. There are on-demand webinars and other community resources on the website to provide additional information.”

To determine if you are eligible for a claim, take the online claim assessment tool to see if you qualify.

Members of the Samson Cree First Nation, or the Cowichan Tribes, for example, are eligible. It does not appear to apply to any Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) communities.

Those who are eligible for compensation must not have passed away before Nov. 20, 2017;  be a member of a First Nation, and have been impacted by a long-term drinking water advisory (boil water, do not consume or do not use) that lasted at least a year between Nov. 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.

If a claimant was born before Nov. 20, 1995, they must have lived on an impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between Nov. 20, 2013, and June 20, 2021. 

If born on or after Nov. 20, 1995, the claimant must have ordinarily resided / lived on an impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between Nov. 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.

There are resources available to help guide people through the process.

For questions about the claims process and assistance with the Claim Form, contact the administrator toll-free at 1-833-252-4220.

Class counsel is available at no cost to provide answers to legal questions related to the settlement or assistance with making a claim for specified injuries at counsel@firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca and toll-free at 1-833-265-7589 .

Organizers are also providing emotional support via  Hope for Wellness toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca

A list and map of the impacted First Nations is available, along with more information on the settlement and the claim process, at www.firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca.