AFNQL attacks the bloc and the Quebec government | Canada elections 2021

In a press release, the organization of 43 First Nations leaders of Quebec and Labrador stood against policies proposed by the Québecois bloc at the federal level that are in line with decisions made by the François Provincial Government. legault.

AFNQL leader, Ghislaine Piccard, particularly attacks Bloc Quebec’s decision to demand other political parties vying for federal elections Not to challenge official Quebec law and future public language, French, and federal corporations to be subject to the Charter of the French Language in Quebec.

Quebec bloc leader Yves Francois Blanchett, accompanied by candidates Mario Beaulieu and Marie Yves Lynn Michel, in Montreal, September 1

Photo: Radio Canada/Ivano Demers

appreciate it Legault Government Bill 96 (PL 96) is an official attack on First Nations constitutional language rights And for the Quebec bloc to play a role The voice of the Legault government and its reactionary attitudes towards the First Nations By supporting this policy.

This policy, according to Ghislane Piccard, will not be No place in a federal election campaign should be geared toward reconciliation.

If the Quebecwa bloc is against respecting the fundamental rights of First Nations, which it does by supporting Bill 96, I ask it to say so frankly.

Bloc leader Yves Francois Blanchet assured him that he believed Very sincerely in recognizing the linguistic rights of indigenous peoples.

There is a point of contention which is not really mine, but I would be happy to contact Ghislain and we will discuss it as we used to.

The leader of the bloc said he was convinced of itThere are more points of agreement than points of disagreement between the demands of the indigenous population and his party’s programme. The current point of contention involves more of the Quebec government than the Quebec bloc, but we will not back down and have the conversation.Promise Yves Francois Blanchett.

Two weights, two scales

Chef Gislan Piccard also believes that when provinces […] They strive to block any federal initiative in favor of First Nations self-determination and recognition of their rights, as they give themselves power that does not belong to them And Preventing the future and development of the first peoples.

He also regrets reading about the changing geometry of the Canadian Constitution on the part of the provinces, especially Quebec, when the time comes to claim rights. They Rip their shirts in the name of their so-called constitutional powers and do not hesitate to use the Canadian Constitution Act for electoral and partisan purposes He continues, giving as an example PL 96 regarding the status of the official language in Quebec.

Legault’s government introduced Bill 96 on May 13, 2021.

Photo: Radio Canada/Sylvain Roy Roussel

bone When the time comes to respect the provisions of the same constitution that would allow redress for indigenous peoples, the discourse changes!, is protesting.

Gives as an example Quebec’s legal battle against A law respecting the children, youth, and families of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (Bill C-92), or opposing, with other provinces, the adoption of a law respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Bill C-15).

Prime Minister Legault is content to see in him only the First Nations veto, a right that would put an end to the exploitation of the province to the occupation of lands not ceded by the First Nations and the illegal exploitation of the lands. The resources of these lands usurped by the provinceChef Picard explains.

Demanded a national discussion

At the same time, demands federal political parties A formal commitment to a federal government that will call the provinces to order when it comes to constitutional accountability to First Peoples.

It also calls for a national debate on the subject, which would bring federal, provincial, and first peoples governments around a table.