Historic Day for the Recognition of First Nations' Rights Following the Adoption of Bill C-262 in Third Reading

WENDAKE, QC, May 31, 2018  The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes the adoption of Bill C-262 in third reading, an Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the Declaration).

"After 34 years of hard work and with a patience that was put to the test, we must today congratulate Mr. Roméo Saganash, NDP MP for Abitibi-Baie James-Nunavik-Eeyou, for this fundamental Bill which now determines the parameters of the implementation of the Declaration. On behalf of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador, we want to acknowledge his perseverance and determination. The implementation of the Declaration is now only a matter of time and the federal government has an obligation to comply with it, including when it comes to the integrity of our territories," says Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

Moreover, while the Declaration expressly protects the right of Indigenous peoples to exercise their right to self-determination, their right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs, it is deplorable to note that the federal government's message about Bill C-45 on the legalization of cannabis is not only contrary to this provision but also to the commitments made to First Nations. Clearly, the Trudeau government has a responsibility to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place so that First Nations can respond to the specific needs of their populations, including in the legalization of cannabis. Unfortunately, it is a responsibility that they carefully try to dodge despite the promises made since their election. What will they do now that the Declaration is unavoidable?

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

Alain Garon, [email protected], Communications Officer, Cell. : [phone]