AFNQL Denounces the Half-Measures Proposed by Minister Coiteux in Dealing with the Situations of Violence Disclosed by First Nations Women

WENDAKE, QC, April 6, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The AFNQL wishes to denounce in the strongest possible terms the half-measures proposed by the provincial Minister of Public Security, in response to the Indigenous women and girls who are victims of violence.

"The tragedies described by our women and our young girls require in all fairness a meaningful intervention, which the Couillard Government once again refuses. It's a shame", stated the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, with indignation.

We also need to recall that the revelations of Indigenous women on this past October are now under investigation by the SPVM accompanied by an independent observer and two Aboriginal police officers.

For months now, the Chiefs Assembly of the First Nations Quebec-Labrador has been formally asking that the provincial government take its responsibilities and strongly commit to a public inquiry into the relationship between police forces and First Nations citizens. The Couillard Government does not want to hear any of this, preferring to shelter behind the responsibility of the federal and all kinds of excuses which only delays the implementation of remedial measures.

"The refusal of the Couillard Government to accept its responsibilities is an insult towards our sisters. Nothing is done to improve their safety. Nothing is done to restore the essential confidence between the First Nations population and policing services. By the irrelevant actions taken today, the Couillard Government confirms its indifference to the plight of the First Nations women and young girls. It is just totally unacceptable, it's a disgrace", concluded Ghislain Picard.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization of 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Mélanie Vincent, [email protected], Cell.: 418-580-4442