I need to be clear and firm on this issue. Canada has violated the treaty and the human rights of our families, children and elders by failing to act on the unsafe drinking water crisis at Ermineskin. Our long and patient effort to work with Canada on solutions, including this bill, has only resulted in more inaction, failure and half measures.
The Ermineskin Cree Nation has had enough. We will carry through our litigation against Canada until first nations' right to safe drinking water is the law and every person at Ermineskin can turn on the tap in their home, office or school and not worry about whether the water threatens their health and well-being.
Amending Bill C-61 to recognize first nations' right to safe drinking water is a requirement that is long overdue. This would also be a positive step toward resolving Ermineskin's case against Canada and maybe similar lawsuits like those of Shamattawa and Six Nations. Real reconciliation starts with ending Canada's violation of our treaty and every first nation's right to safe drinking water.
I'm not sure if I am allowed to ask committee members questions, but I will anyway. Ermineskin and probably all first nations want to hear from each of you if you support our right to safe drinking water.