Wendake, July 26, 2023 — In response to the federal cabinet reshuffle, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) wishes to remind Justin Trudeau’s government of the importance of continuing to advance certain crucial issues, such as First Nations policing, housing and infrastructure, as well as the implementation of First Nations priorities contained in the action plan for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP).
“We would like to congratulate the new Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honorable Arif Virani, and the new Minister of Public Safety Canada (PSC), the Honorable Dominic LeBlanc, on their appointments and express our expectations regarding the collaboration begun with their predecessors. These appointments should not delay progress on our issues, but rather represent an opportunity to renew dialogue aimed at improving the relationship between First Nations governments and the federal government,” commented AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard.
For the AFNQL, recognizing First Nations police services as an essential service is a critical issue that deserves immediate attention and decisive action. Former Minister Marco Mendicino had promised to introduce legislation to this effect. Given Canada’s obligation under the UNDR to align its laws with the United Nations Declaration, we insist that PSC seek a mandate to address First Nations jurisdiction over policing in this legislation. “It is essential that the new Minister of Public Safety be fully committed to the process of recognizing, empowering, and adequately funding Indigenous policing services,” said Chief Picard.
The AFNQL is also determined to work hand in hand with the new Minister of Justice to ensure, in particular, the implementation of the NDAA and the resulting action plan. “Recognition and respect for our inherent right to self-determination and self-government are of greater concern to us than ever, given the imminent release of the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Act (Bill C-92),” said Ghislain Picard.
In conclusion, the AFNQL would like to commend the appointment of the Honorable Gary Anandasangaree as the new Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and highlight the retention of the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, the Honorable Patty Hadju, in her position, which will allow for stability in several other important issues. “I hope that these ministers will welcome the Prime Minister’s decision as an invitation to redouble their efforts to consolidate our relations and strengthen our Nation-to-Nation relationship. I would also like to thank the Honorable Marc Miller for his work with First Peoples over the past few years,” concluded Chief Picard.