TORONTO — Several First Nations across Ontario are calling for the resignation of the province’s environment minister, Todd McCarthy, after he urged the federal government not to move forward with legislation that would guarantee Indigenous communities the legal right to clean drinking water.
In a joint letter sent last month with Alberta’s Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz, McCarthy—who also serves as MPP for Durham—asked federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin to step back from reintroducing Bill C-61. The proposed legislation, first introduced in the last Parliament, aimed to enshrine First Nations’ access to clean drinking water and the right to protect freshwater sources on their lands. Although the bill went through a prolonged committee review, it did not pass before Parliament was prorogued earlier this year. Dabrusin has since confirmed the federal government’s intent to reintroduce it.
The letter from McCarthy and Schulz argued that the bill would hinder project development and hurt Canada’s competitiveness. That stance has drawn sharp criticism from Indigenous leaders across Ontario, who say opposing the legislation amounts to dismissing fundamental human rights.
“I am shocked and deeply disappointed,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige. “It is unacceptable that Ontario’s environment minister would resist formalizing our right to safe, clean drinking water—something every community should have by default.”
McCarthy’s office responded by stating that the letter was meant to encourage the federal government to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth. They insisted that Ontario remains committed to clean water access for all First Nations.
Still, for many Indigenous leaders, the damage is done. The call for McCarthy’s resignation is growing louder, as communities demand greater accountability and recognition of their rights.