Letter that was sent to the main federal party leaders by the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard

WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ -

August 5, 2015

Madam, Sir:

The election campaign which has just begun will be a long one. Your party will therefore not be able to use the pretext of haste and lack of time to not give the issues regarding First Nations the attention they deserve. This is what the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) expects of you as the leader of your party. It is you who is responsible, on behalf of your party, to make clear commitments concerning one of the main challenges facing Canada: restoring and maintaining a respectful and productive political relationship between First Nations and Canada.

In the political agenda of any government there are issues that cannot be put off. Those that involve First Nations are most certainly in this category. The election campaign you are undertaking should firmly demonstrate your commitment to this.

How will your party ensure that Title and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights will be respected? How will your party ensure that the women and girls of our Nations can live safely in this country? How will your party ensure that our Nations children have every chance to succeed? How will your party ensure that the recent recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of the Canada be quickly implemented? The list is long. The election campaign will also be long. You can count on the AFNQL to regularly remind those political parties who choose to not give the attention that these essential First Nations issues merit during this campaign.

It is high time that the situation of First Nations in this country be not only an issue, but that it be the election issue of this campaign.

In peace and friendship,

c. c.  Chiefs of the AFNQL

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

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