The AFNQL Congratulates the Members of the new Federal Cabinet and Is confident the Federal Government will Put Words into Actions

WENDAKE, QC, Nov. 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Chief Ghislain Picard wishes to congratulate the members of the new federal Cabinet announced yesterday by Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, who committed to forging a new relationship with First Nations.

The AFNQL would like to highlight in particular the appointment of two Aboriginal members of Parliament as ministers: Ms. Jody Wilson-Raybould as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Mr. Hunter Tootoo as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

"In the years I had the privilege of having her as a colleague on the Assembly of First Nations Executive, I witnessed firsthand the exceptional qualities of leadership of Ms. Wilson-Raybould. She certainly deserves the confidence for this high-level position. We wish her the best of success in her new position", stated the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard.

Ms. Carolyn Bennett was appointed to head the Indigenous and Northern Affairs. The AFNQL takes the view that the experience and knowledge of Ms. Bennett of First Nations issues could put a wounded relationship back on the road to recovery. The bond of trust and the relationship have been broken for the past 10 years. The role of fiduciary is a responsibility which simply cannot be ignored by the federal government. Our issues matter and we will continue to stand by our positions », stated Chief Picard on a more specific note.

The AFNQL is hopeful the new government will put words into actions quickly. "We will be watching closely the evolution of the election promises. Amongst others, the urgency to launch an immediate national inquiry into the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls which has been repeated time and again by the Chiefs of the AFNQL, with the support of many other agencies."

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