First Nations Issues before the Wearing of the Niqab - Our Time is Now

WENDAKE, QC, Sept. 25, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - "It is quite inconceivable and unacceptable that the issues affecting First Nations would occupy so little space in the present campaign and they would rank so far in the priorities of the political parties wishing to form the next government", said AFNQL Chief, Ghislain Picard, after the debate in French presented yesterday on Radio-Canada.

Without denying the importance of issues of interest for the Canadian population regarding the economy, the environment, health, the actions of Canada abroad and even the wearing of the niqab, the AFNQL is of the opinion that political parties are wrong if they believe that First Nations will be satisfied with dispersed electoral promises, without a comprehensive plan. First Nations will not leave their issues of interest being relegated to so little, except to add color to the discourse of the parties.

In the absence of a specific debate on First Nations issues, the AFNQL demands that in the next debates, the relationship between Canada and First Nations be on the agenda. "The relationship with the Crown is broken. The confidence level is at its lowest and our people want to know how the leaders of the parties that aspire to lead the country intend to restore a climate that will allow our people and their leaders to consider Canada as an ally rather than an enemy", added Chief Picard.

The Chief of the AFNQL intends to send a letter to political parties to request that the forthcoming debates give place to issues affecting First Nations. The chiefs of the First Nations will also be calling on our nations from across the territory to hold a national day of action, with means they deem appropriate, to tell all that "Our Time, Is Now".

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

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

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