The RCAAQ's Reaction to the Government of Quebec's Involvement in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

WENDAKE, QC, Aug. 18, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) commends the Government of Quebec's initiative to pass an order allowing the national commission on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls to investigate the cases of police misconduct in Quebec. However, the content, scope and powers of the order must be analyzed and assessed to determine whether it is an acceptable solution to the problem in Quebec.

After the shocking revelations by Aboriginal women in Val-d'Or, the RCAAQ joined First Nations chiefs in calling for a provincial public inquiry into how police treated and enforced the law against Aboriginal people in Quebec. Including this type of investigation in the broader national mandate is ambitious, given that the commissioners will have to meet the high expectations of the victims' families and will have to travel across Canada. Moreover, there is reason to be concerned about the amount of time the federal commission will have to look into issues as fundamental as the safety and protection of Aboriginal women in Quebec.

"A provincial inquiry into police abuse would be complementary to the national commission on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and would address the specific circumstances of Quebec," states RCAAQ President Christine Jean.

The Native Friendship Centres that are members of the RCAAQ can be found in Chibougamau, Joliette, La Tuque, Montréal, Senneterre, Sept-Îles, Trois-Rivières and Val-d'Or. Two Friendship Centres are currently being developed in Roberval and Maniwaki. The Native Friendship Centres of Quebec work to improve the quality of life of urban Aboriginal people, promote their culture and build bridges between peoples.

SOURCE Regroupement des Centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec

Joannie Caron, Communications Coordinator, [email protected], 418-842-6354