Archive for 12/10/24

Assembly of First Nations

AFN is an advocacy organization, taking direction and fulfilling mandates as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly through resolutions.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Executive Committee Supports the Advancement of Bill C-61 to Improve First Nations Access to Safe Drinking Water

Tuesday 10 December 2024 08:41 PM UTC+00 | Tags: press-release

(December 10, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Executive Committee has unanimously passed a motion supporting the advancement of Bill C-61, An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater, and related infrastructure on First Nations lands, into its third reading.

"As the AFN Executive Committee, we recognize that access to clean and safe drinking water and related infrastructure is a basic human right," said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "This legislation is a necessary step toward addressing long-standing inequities. A tremendous amount of work has gone into this draft, and we urge the Government of Canada to prioritize the advancement of Bill C-61 without further delay."

The AFN participated in the legislative process by submitting a brief to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) and appearing before the committee on October 10, 2024, to propose amendments aligned with the direction as mandated by the First Nations-in-Assembly.

"While we've made progress, such as the removal of the adjacency requirement for protection zones and the protection of First Nations from liability if Canada fails to make best efforts to provide adequate funding or access to water services on First Nations lands, there is more work to do," said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. "Once the Bill proceeds to the Senate, the AFN Executive Committee is prepared to continue advocating to ensure a clear and sustained framework for First Nations to fully implement this legislation."

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.

For more information, please contact:

Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
jamiem@afn.ca

Genna Benson
Director, Communications
Assembly of First Nations
(604) 340-3117 (mobile)
gbenson@afn.ca

Tags:

press-release

Assembly of First Nations

AFN is an advocacy organization, taking direction and fulfilling mandates as directed by First Nations-in-Assembly through resolutions.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Calls for Resolution to Canada Post Strike to Ensure Delivery of Essential Services and Support for First Nations

Tuesday 10 December 2024 02:10 PM UTC+00 | Tags: press-release

(December 10, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is calling on Canada Post, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), and the federal government to reach a resolution to the ongoing strike, which continues to disrupt essential services relied upon by First Nations citizens and businesses.

"The delay in the delivery of medicine and medical supplies due to this strike is a serious concern for many First Nations, especially those in isolated, remote, and rural areas with no alternative delivery systems to rely on," said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. "Many of our citizens rely entirely on Canada Post for access to prescription medications, medical equipment, and healthcare supplies that are not otherwise available. Without these resources, individuals, elders, and families are left without the supports they depend on and could experience unnecessary health risks."

"The strike has delayed the delivery of financial supports, basic goods, and other necessities, which is particularly challenging as families prepare for winter and depend on reliable delivery of necessary goods to maintain their well-being," added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. "First Nations entrepreneurs depend on Canada Post as an affordable and accessible shipping option to obtain supplies and reach their customers. The increased costs and delays caused by the strike are creating challenges for small First Nations businesses already navigating economic barriers to their success. First Nations businesses are key contributors to Canada's economy, and reliable shipping services are essential to their operation."

"We are calling on Canada Post, CUPW, and the federal government to work together to reach an immediate resolution that restores these critical services to First Nations citizens and businesses while addressing the concerns of postal workers," concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.

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Contact Information:

Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
604-340-3117 (mobile)
gbenson@afn.ca

Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
jamiem@afn.ca

Tags:

press-release

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