Wendake, May 22, 2023 — In light of the contemptuous and unworthy remarks made last week by Pierre Dufour, CAQ member for Abitibi-Est, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is officially calling for his resignation and urging the government to break its silence.
In an unprecedented speech to the Val-d’Or City Council on May 15, Pierre Dufour attacked Radio-Canada’s Enquête program, which focused on cases of abuse of Indigenous women by Sûreté du Québec police officers in Val-d’Or. Denigrating the report, he declared that it was “full of lies” and then attacked the Commission of Inquiry on Relations between Indigenous Peoples and Certain Public Services in Quebec (Viens Commission), which clearly demonstrated the existence of systemic racism in Quebec.
Pierre Dufour cannot simply say that his comments “went beyond what he meant.” First, what he said is extremely insulting to those who are trying to find ways to address homelessness, crime, and mental health issues. Worse still, his comments are deeply contemptuous of Indigenous women who have had the courage to speak out about abuse.
“With such degrading statements, Representative Dufour is sending the message that people who dare to speak out against violence do not deserve to be believed, that journalists lack rigor, and that experts such as Judge Viens are sloppy in their work. In short, everyone is wrong except Pierre Dufour. In truth, the only honorable thing he could do is resign and make way for a dignified and benevolent leader who finds solutions rather than causing chaos. Currently, no one has emerged from the city council chamber as a winner,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
“Homelessness is not a lifestyle choice. Our women who find themselves on the streets are victims, not criminals. What we need from the government and its representatives is help, not racist attacks,” said Savanna McGregor, Grand Chief of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council.
The Legault government called to action
According to Lucien Wabanonik, Chief of the Anishnabe Nation of Lac Simon, Representative Dufour is fueling racism among a minority of people, which can only undermine reconciliation efforts. “Silence means consent? The question arises because the CAQ government has remained strangely silent on its representative’s offensive remarks. The seriousness of the comments and the context in which they were made fully justify strong intervention by Premier Legault to correct this low blow, which damages government-to-government relations and sets back efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” said Chief Wabanonik.
“The Premier of Quebec must clearly denounce the remarks made by this member of parliament, whom he must show the door. I have no doubt that this position will resonate with the Anishinabe Nation and other First Nations. It’s all well and good to see CAQ government ads promoting reconciliation on television and other media, but it is his duty and power to act and bring people together to protect the well-being and safety of all citizens, including First Nations,” concluded Chief Picard, who wishes to express his support for the City of Val-d’Or, which is asking for Quebec’s help in addressing the issues of homelessness and delinquency.