It's a complex question that I think is linked to one of the issues of meaningful reconciliation. Other witnesses have appropriately testified that first nations criticized the way the original act in 2003 was put in place, that it lacked meaningful engagement and consultation. Recognizing the need for first nations' self-determination, the need to collaborate and meaningfully engage with them is essential.
I do believe we see it in other audits that we've looked at. There is mistrust at times between certain first nations communities and governments.
When you have repeated, long-term advisories, or even repeated short-term advisories, a community can lose confidence in its own water system and then turn to other solutions that are not better for their health. It is time for it to be actioned in a sustainable way with communities, so that trust can be rebuilt and re-established.