Penticton Chief Presses Ottawa on Clean Water
Chief Greg Gabriel told a House of Commons committee that federal engagement on First Nations drinking water is frustrating.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Native American
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Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel told the House of Commons Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee at the end of October that federal engagement on clean drinking water is frustrating. The committee is studying Bill C-37, the First Nations Clean Water Act.
Why it matters
Bill C-37 replaces a 2023 bill that failed to pass and drops language that would have immediately recognized a First Nations right to clean drinking water. Gabriel hopes the legislation moves beyond engagement and consultation into action and funding for communities in need, a concern that matters across Canada as First Nations communities continue to press for reliable water.
The Penticton Indian Band's bulk water agreement with the City of Penticton, finalized in April, runs for two decades. Chief Gabriel was cut off during his remarks because presenters were limited to five minutes, and the band's funding path for its water master plan remains unresolved.
The players
Penticton Indian Band
A First Nation band in the Okanagan region of British Columbia whose water supply and funding needs are central to the committee testimony.
Union of BC Indian Chiefs
An advocacy organization representing First Nations in British Columbia that opposed Bill C-37 in a letter issued in mid-October.
The details
Gabriel testified that the band's aquifer and water supply come from groundwater wells, and the band has developed a water master plan that requires its own lake intake. After approaching the clean water class action settlement body, the band was told to look into other funding sources, including the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs issued a letter in mid-October opposing the bill.
Timeline
April: City of Penticton and the Penticton Indian Band finalized their bulk water agreement.
2023: A previous clean water bill was introduced and failed to pass.
Mid-October: The Union of BC Indian Chiefs issued a letter opposing Bill C-37.
October 29: Chief Greg Gabriel testified before the House of Commons committee.
Industry Dynamics
Bill C-37 replaces the 2023 First Nations clean water bill that failed under the Trudeau government, and it drops the language that would have immediately recognized a First Nations right to clean drinking water. The shift leaves communities like Penticton relying on funding paths outside federal legislation.
For First Nations communities without reliable drinking water, the outcome of Bill C-37 determines whether funding and infrastructure move forward or stall in consultation. Residents of affected communities face ongoing uncertainty about access to safe water until the bill is resolved.
The takeaway
Clean water for First Nations depends on turning federal commitments into funding and infrastructure rather than prolonged engagement. Watch whether Bill C-37 includes enforceable recognition of the right to clean drinking water.
Further reading
For more context on the broader debate, explore our Native American coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Castanetkamloops.
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