The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Denounces the Territorial Management of the Charest Government

WENDAKE, QC, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Ghislain Picard, the Chief of the AFNQL, is meeting today with Quebec's MNAs who are examining Bill 34 in relation to the occupancy and vitality of territories. "For many First Nations, the occupation of territory as announced by the Charest Government is seen as provocation. After years of negligence, not to say disrespect in its territorial relations with many First Nations, the latest brainwave of the Charest Government borders insult", stated the Chief of the AFNQL.

The First Nations want the development of their territory. They have a very young population that needs jobs. Yet, the Charest Government chooses to exclude rather than include.

Finding regularly that its exchanges with the National Assembly's parliamentary committees were not being taken into account by the Quebec parliamentarians, any more than the numerous briefs tabled before these Commissions, the AFNQL chose a few years back, to no longer participate in the proceedings of Quebec's parliamentary bodies.

So, why make an exception today for a bill to ensure the occupancy and vitality of the territories? Simply because the AFNQL has had enough.

With the Charest Government, it is never the right time to talk about the First Nations' Aboriginal or treaty rights, never the right discussion table, never the proper context, never the right circumstances. The AFNQL has enough of those excuses for not responding.

"The AFNQL has often reached out to the Charest government on the issues of territory and resources, but to no avail. If Jean Charest is really committed to the development of Quebec in harmony with the Aboriginal Nations, it is up to him to do something! And now!", concluded Chief Picard.

About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com.

Éric Cardinal
Communications Advisor
Cellular: 514 258-2315
[email protected]