The Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) intends to invite Premier Couillard to the next Chiefs' Assembly

WENDAKE, QC, April 8, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard, congratulates the Chief of the Liberal Party of Quebec, Mr. Philippe Couillard, on his election as Premier of Quebec and is willing to work with the government that he will form. He also intends to officially invite the Premier to the next Chiefs meeting to be held in June.

The AFNQL intends to pursue and carry out discussions with Quebec regarding co-management and conservation of the territory, consultation leading to accommodation with First Nations, as well as the payment of fair royalties for resources. "The First Nations Socio-Economic Forum held in 2006 in Mashteuiatsh under the Charest government was a step in the right direction but did not meet our expectation on issues related to territory and resources" declared Ghislain Picard.

"First Nations are firmly engaged in the improvement of our socio-economic conditions. The current situation is intolerable and we have the clear intention to no longer tolerate. We intend to participate actively in the economy in the respect of our rights and get what is due. We will take all means to achieve it," said Chief Picard.

The Chief of the AFNQL also commended the leaders of the other parties and all candidates who received the important mandate to represent their fellow citizens. He also wished to highlight the impressive political career of Ms. Pauline Marois, the first woman to have served as the Premier of Quebec.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com

SOURCE: Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador

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