The AFNQL Congratulates Regional Chief Isadore Day, the Chiefs of Ontario and Premier Kathleen Wynne, on the Signing of an Important Political Accord

WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 25, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, wishes to acknowledge the signing, on August 24th, of a political accord between the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario provincial government.

"Regional Chief Day, the Chiefs of Ontario and Premier Wynne came together to publicly commit themselves to a political relationship based on the inherent right to self–government and mutual respect. This is proof, on both sides, of leadership and vision. More specifically, I would like to underline the commitment of the Premier of the government of Ontario.

The AFNQL has long maintained that the relations with First Nations are primarily the responsibility of the leader of the government, who is the only one in a position to coordinate all actions within his/her government. The AFNQL has recently reminded Premier Couillard of this fact in a letter", stated Ghislain Picard. The Premier has not yet responded to this letter.

Chief Picard recalls also that the AFNQL has proposed to Premier Couillard, during a Chiefs meeting held this past April, a political process and a concrete action plan that would restart on a respectful base a more profitable relationship between First Nations and the Government of the province of Quebec. The AFNQL is still waiting for a response from the Premier on its proposal.

"A respectful and equitable government-to-government relationship between the province and First Nations is essential to the harmonious development of society and the economy. To build this relationship, the provincial government must first and foremost recognize that the territory we share, holds title and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. This is the foundation on which we must work together.  Ignoring these rights or denying them outright will lead us nowhere.

I hope most sincerely that the Premier of the Ontario government and the Chiefs of Ontario will be able to develop an effective collaboration that is beneficial to everyone, and I am convinced that it's possible to achieve the same results with the provincial government of Quebec. At least, that is the objective of the AFNQL", concluded Chief Picard.

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. www.apnql-afnql.com.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

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