NESKANTAGA FN DRINKING WATER INVESTIGATION

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller is preparing to launch a third-party investigation into the business practices of consultants and engineering companies hired to end Canada's longest-standing boil water advisory — a probe that could extend to other communities, CBC News has learned.

Officials from Indigenous Services Canada have reached out to the chief and council of Neskantaga First Nation, located approximately 450 kilometres north of Thunder Bay., Ont., and its tribal council to schedule a meeting next week to develop the terms of reference.

Since contractors and engineers work in many communities, the department tells CBC News there is the possibility the probe will include other First Nations where these companies have worked.

Neskantaga Chief Chris Moonias said he would welcome a broader investigation.