First Nations Drinking Water Class Action Deadline Extended
Band Members from eligible First Nations now have until March 7, 2024 to submit a claim in the settlement of the First Nations Drinking Water Class Action lawsuit.
The settlement compensates impacted First Nations, as well as eligible individual band members. There is money for compensation for hardships related to being deprived of safe drinking water, as well as serious injuries that may have been suffered by individuals.
The lawsuits, originally launched by Neskantaga First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Tetaskweyak Cree Nation in 2019, reached a court-approved settlement in 2021.
The settlement was for $8 billion, which included $1.8 billion in compensation for individuals and impacted communities. $6 billion was allocated to support construction, upgrading, operation and maintenance of water infrastructure on First Nations land.
According to the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement website, an eligible individual living in a remote First Nation could expect to receive about $2,000 per year the individual lived in the community under a water advisory.
There are some limitations. For example, anyone born before November 20, 1995 is only eligible for compensation for the years starting in November 20, 2013.
In Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory, eligible First Nations include the following:
- Sachigo Lake First Nation
- Bearskin Lake First Nation
- Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuway First Nation
- Wapekeka First Nation
- Muskrat Dam First Nation
- Sandy Lake First Nation
- Keewaywin First Nation
- North Caribou Lake First Nation
- Kingfisher Lake First Nation
- Wunnumin Lake First Nation
- Nibinamik First Nation
- Webequie First Nation
- Deer Lake First Nation
- North Spirit Lake First Nation
- Poplar Hill First Nation
- Pikangikum First Nation
- Cat Lake First Nation
- Neskantaga First Nation
- Eabemetoong First Nation
- Marten Falls First Nation
- Mishkeegogamang First Nation
- Slate Falls First Nation
There are lawyers appointed by the Class Action who can provide free legal advice on whether an individual is eligible, and how to apply. More information can be found on www.firstnations drinkingwater.ca or by calling 1-833-252-4220.
If you need assistance or would like to be connected to the lawyers for the Class Action, call or email us at Edwards Bell Jewitt LLP (807 344 1112) and we can help you connect to the Class Action lawyers.
Written by Shawn Bell
Edwards Bell Jewitt LLP