Applications Now Open for First Nations Drinking Water Settlement Payments
Following a class-action lawsuit, a settlement is in place between Canada and certain First Nations and there members who were subject to a drinking water advisory that lasted at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021. Williams Lake First Nation has been identified as one of these First Nations.
This settlement includes compensation for Impacted First Nations and eligible individuals, as well as commitments to fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure needed to provide regular access to safe drinking water in their homes.
You may be eligible if you are:
A member of a First Nation; and
- Born before November 20, 1995, lived on an Impacted First Nation (Link to Claims Assessment Tool) for over a year during a drinking water advisory that lasted for a year or longer, anytime between November 20, 2013, and June 20, 2021; or
- Born on or after November 20, 1995, lived on an Impacted First Nation for over a year during a drinking water advisory that lasted for a year or longer between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.
For assistance filling out your application, or more information, please join us for an info session and lunch, on Thursday, February 16, from noon until 2pm, at the WLFN Administration Building Council Chambers on Quigli Drive. Lunch provided. We will be joined by Kevin Hille of Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP — an experienced litigator who focuses on Indigenous rights in Canada and knows the ins-and-outs of this settlement.
IMPORTANT – due to legislative limitations, individuals who were born before November 20, 1995, are only eligible for compensation going back to November 20, 2013. This limitation is in place because of Canadian laws that place limits on the duration adults have to bring a lawsuit after an event happens. There are exceptions in place for those who may have been incapable, because of their physical, mental, or psychological condition. If you are unsure how this limitation applies to you, please contact Class Counsel for more information. You may be eligible for compensation even if your First Nation or a First Nation on which you lived, does not participate in the settlement.
If you were born on or after November 20, 1995, the settlement covers the period from November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.
If you were born before November 20, 1995, you are eligible for compensation from November 20, 2013, to June 20, 2021.
There are exceptions in place for those who were incapable of commencing a proceeding in respect of their claim before November 20, 2013, because of their physical, mental or psychological condition. Please see the Individual Claim Form for more details or contact the Administrator or Class Counsel for assistance.
Children under the age of 18, as well as loved ones who have died are eligible.
For more information, help determining if you are eligible, or for help filling out your application, please join us for an information session: Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 5pm, at the WLFN Council Chambers on Quigli.
More info:
To find out more about the settlement, please also visit:
https://firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca/index.php/help-support/faqs/
Use this tool to find out if you’re eligible
https://firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca/index.php/claims-assessment-tool/
Start your application:
https://firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca/index.php/making-a-claim/
For help applying
For more help determining if you’re eligible, or filing a claim, please contact:
Ashley Sanford
Administrative Assistant, Social Development
Office: 250.296.3507 ext. 101
Toll Free: 1(877)856.3507
Fax: 250.296.4750
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wlfn.ca
Address: 2561 Quigli Drive, Williams Lake, BC, V2G 0B1