Wendake, February 28, 2019 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) are pleased to welcome the tabling of Bill C-92: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families. This bill marks a late, but clear, change of attitude on behalf of the federal government. Much remains to be done to support First Nations. The federal government has taken a big step forward and will have to continue in that direction. The provincial government, in turn, will have to recognize the jurisdiction of the First Nations and engage with us in an active and sincere fashion.
“The federal bill on the unity of indigenous families marks the beginning of a broad project focused on improving the services intended for First Nations children. The first essential condition for the success of this project will be the political will to support First Nations in managing the care provided to their children. The second condition will be the engagement of the provinces, primarily by not undermining the desire of First Nations to regain control over the future of their children, but also by providing them with tangible support. In the wake of the bill announced by Minister O’Regan, I appeal to the Legault government to formally commit to considering the interests of First Nations children”, said the Chief of the AFNQL, Ghislain Picard.
“Today marks a significant turning point in Canada’s relationship with our First Nations; they have started to listen to the cries of our children and have partnered with us to create an opportunity for us to work together to create a system that we can start to believe in, a system that respects the rights of individual Nations and people to determine for ourselves how our children should be cared for and a system that is a good step toward reversing some of the damage done to our generations. We look forward to seeing the Canadian government support this crucial piece of work for our children and families,” stated Derek Montour, president of the FNQLHSSC Board of Directors.
About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization that brings together 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador.
About the FNQLHSSC
The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission is a nonprofit organization that supports the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador in achieving their goals in terms of health, wellness, culture and self-determination.
