Some Tsartlip First Nation members are now eligible to receive up to $2,000 in compensation from the federal government as part of the nation-wide First Nations Drinking Water Settlement.
Those who lived on reserve for at least one year between Oct. 18, 2019, and June 20, 2021 are eligible to receive compensation, but applications must be submitted before March 7.
According to a bulletin published by Tsartlip, the exact amount of compensation eligible members will receive will depend on how long they lived on reserve during the eligible time period.
Applications to receive compensation can be filed online through firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca or by calling 1-833-252-4220. Any Tsartlip members who need assistance with their claim can also contact Brenda Bartleman at bbartleman@tsartlip.com, or 250-652-4473.
Under the $8 billion class-action settlement, which was reached in 2021, the government is paying out $1.8 billion in compensation to individuals and impacted First Nations, an additional $50 million for individuals who experienced specific injuries due to drinking water advisories, $6 billion to support construction, upgrades, operation, and maintenance of water infrastructure on First Nations land, and a renewed commitment to lift all long-term drinking water advisories.
Compensation will be paid out after the application deadline.
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