SASKATCHEWAN – Anyone who lived on a First Nation in Saskatchewan that had a long-term drinking water advisory for more than a year now have until March 7, 2024, to submit their claim for compensation.
The First Nations Drinking Water Settlement provides compensation for individuals and First Nations Band Councils across Canada that were impacted by drinking water advisories that lasted at least one year between Nov. 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.
"We are encouraging individuals to submit a claim for compensation as soon as possible and are offering real support to help them in the process,” said Darian Baskatawang, a lawyer for the class action lawsuit.
“Claimants can ask us as Class Counsel questions related to this settlement and for assistance making a claim for Specified Injuries. Claimants can also contact the Administrator to understand how they may apply for compensation and access free support completing their Claim Form. There are on-demand webinars and other community resources on the website to provide additional information.”
The previous deadline to apply was March 7, 2023. Claims for individual damages submitted before March 7, 2023, will be assessed by the administrator, and eligible payments will be processed.
Claims submitted between March 8, 2023, and March 7, 2024, will be assessed, and eligible payments will be processed after March 7, 2024. All claims for Specified Injuries compensation will be processed after March 7, 2024.
People living on dozens of First Nations in Saskatchewan alone, as well as across Canada, qualify. To see a list and map of the Impacted First Nations go to firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca.
The First Nations Drinking Water website includes a list of Impacted First Nations along with interactive guides which provide step by step instructions on completing and submitting a Claim Form and a user-friendly online claims assessment tool that helps individuals understand if they are eligible by answering a few quick questions.
For questions about the claims process and assistance with the Claim Form, contact the Administrator toll-free at 1-833-252-4220.
For legal questions related to the settlement or assistance with making a claim for Specified Injuries, contact Class Counsel at no cost: counsel@firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca and toll-free at 1-833-265-7589.
Emotional support is available through Hope for Wellness toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
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