Lifting of Regional Confinement: First Nations Authorities Must Be Closely Involved in the Process

WENDAKE, QC, April 29, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - In reaction to the announcements made public today by the Quebec Deputy Premier, Ms. Geneviève Guilbault, on the lifting of regional confinement, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) calls on the Government of Quebec to involve First Nations authorities who are directly affected by the decision.

"Putting an end to regional traffic controls is not without worrying our leaders, who have spared no effort since the beginning of the crisis to limit the spread of COVID-19 among their populations. Beyond an economic recovery plan, we ask that the public health authorities and the government actively involve our authorities so that actions are in line with their reality and expectations", said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

"Access to the regions is a danger of recontamination, people from larger regions could seek refuge where there are fewer COVID-19 cases. The danger is too great", declared Chief Adrienne Jérôme of the Lac Simon First Nation, an Anishinabe community located near Val-D'Or.

"Today's announcements cannot and should not mean a return to normal. The measures that our communities are putting in place to protect their populations must be supported to the level of the risk factors that make them the most vulnerable to the pandemic," added Ghislain Picard.

Most of the First Nations have taken exceptional measures to block if not control access to their communities. It will be up to them alone to review their decisions for a partial or complete lifting of these measures. "We expect that the provincial and federal governments will continue to support the actions that will be taken by our authorities who prioritize the health and safety of their members and families ", concluded the Chief of the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador