Wendake, November 1, 2018 – Outside of the media debate on the continuation of the Apuiat Wind Project, of which the Innu Nation is the promoter in the North Shore region, the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, wants to emphasize the importance of a government-to-government relationship with the First Nations involved.
The intention to build a strong relationship with First Nations was reflected in a correspondence from the leader of the CAQ during the election campaign, and this was confirmed in a first meeting held last Friday between Premier François Legault, the Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, Sylvie D’Amours and the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard.
“First Nations economy has emerged from discussions as an essential element in enhancing the current socio-economic conditions of communities. In the circumstances and based on the will expressed by Premier Legault to establish a new positive and constructive relationship, a high- level political dialogue is not only desirable, but urgent, in order to allow the Innu Nation and the government of Quebec to establish the desired framework for discussion,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
“In good faith, we have offered our cooperation to bring together the conditions for a harmonious relationship between the Government of Quebec and those of First Nations. This is an important step towards creating a sustainable political relationship. The fate of the Apuiat Project is an example of an opportunity to seize, because any process that excludes First Nations is bound to fail,” concluded Ghislain Picard.
About the AFNQL The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL.
