FSIN Vice-Chief Concerned About Bill S-11

FSIN Vice-Chief Concerned About Bill S-11

Tuesday, March 01, 2011 at 15:12

First Nations leaders continue to raise concerns about a proposed federal bill that would deal with providing safe drinking water on reserves.

This morning FSIN Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish addressed the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples about Bill S-11.

He says the bill starts out well-intentioned but says it gives the federal minister and cabinet too much authority while assigning responsibility and liability to chiefs and councils without any extra resources.

Whitefish says the bill also relieves the government of any liability and gives it the power to unilaterally define its responsibility to treaty.

He says the it’s another infringement of treaty rights.

Last month, the Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo also address the committee, raising similar concerns.

He also said First Nations were not adequately consulted when it was designed.