Attempt by Minister Ian Lafrenière to remove obstruction of Atikamekw community groups
The resumption of discussions surrounding Bill 97 is set for this fall, as Minister Ian Lafrenière prepares to collaborate with the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL) to address concerns raised by Indigenous communities, particularly the Atikamekw Nation.
Last week, Atikamekw groups blocked a road near their community in opposition to Bill 97, a move that Minister Lafrenière has been unable to permanently lift. The discontent among Atikamekw groups is not just limited to Bill 97, according to the minister.
Minister Lafrenière was in Obedjiwan (Opitciwan) to discuss Bill 97 and the government's proposed forestry reform with community leaders. He emphasised the importance of involving Indigenous peoples and communities in discussions about the forest, a stance supported by Grand Chief Constant Awashish of the Atikamekw Nation.
However, the minister refuses to engage with protest groups and only meets with official community representatives. This stance has been a point of contention, with some community members feeling unheard by band councils.
The minister's team is ready to collaborate with the AFNQL to avoid "irritants" in the amendments to Bill 97. Maïté Blanchette Vézina, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, is waiting for the collaboration of the AFNQL to "co-write" changes to Bill 97.
The AFNQL has not yet confirmed its willingness to work with the government on Bill 97. The minister's legal team is prepared to meet with the AFNQL to discuss the bill's amendments.
Protests over Bill 97 have been taking place for the past three years, according to the minister. The bill, which aims to modernise Quebec's forestry regime, has received much criticism since its deposit last spring.
The Grand Chief of the Atikamekw Nation, Constant Awashish, criticises Bill 97 for not respecting Indigenous rights and argues that it exacerbates tensions. He, along with other community members, opposes the bill due to its potential impact on their rights and territories.
The representatives of the Atikamekw disapprove of the protest methods, but their concerns about Bill 97 are clear. The minister has explained that when discussing the forest, it's normal for Indigenous peoples and communities to be deeply involved, according to the grand chief.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the minister recalled that the bill has not yet come into effect. The resumption of discussions this fall offers a chance for all parties to work together to find a solution that respects the rights and concerns of all involved.
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