Wendake, February 4, 2025 – The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) condemns the tariffs imposed by the United States and calls on the Quebec government to work with First Nations governments in developing its response strategy.
A recent communication from the Quebec government indicated that the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy has already met with several leaders from Quebec’s business community. However, these meetings do not include First Nations governments, which must be consulted and actively involved in addressing this major issue. Furthermore, Quebec Premier François Legault’s solution is to propose large-scale energy development projects that exploit the resources of First Nations’ unceded ancestral lands.
“The tariff war will have a significant and negative impact on the economic development of communities and on the purchasing power of First Nations members. They must not be relegated to second place, nor should decisions be made without their consent. The obligation to consult First Nations is not a one-time measure, depending on a project. It is ongoing. The provincial government and its premier must stop limiting its scope,” warns Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
The AFNQL therefore wishes to reiterate that any major project to renovate and expand electricity production in Quebec must first be discussed with the First Nations who hold title and rights to the land. This is a matter of respecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, as recognized in particular by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.