The Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU) makes it a priority to raise awareness about the lack of clean drinking water in First Nations communities throughout the country. Those in First Nations communities under advisory have not been able to use common tap water without first bringing it to a rolling boil.

This constitutes a major health crisis and a gross violation of the basic rights of First Nations peoples in Canada. First Nations communities should not have to live under these conditions in one of the richest countries on Earth.

In February 2023, the CCU held its Labour School in Ottawa. Invited to speak were Deon Hassler and Rebecca Zagozewski of the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association, who both discussed the challenges faced with ending the decades long water advisories in First Nations communities in Canada.