First Nations Policing Services: the AFNQL Welcomes the Commitment from Ottawa

WENDAKE, QC, Jan. 10, 2018 – Following the announcement by the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, to increase the budget allocated to First Nations policing services, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) welcomes this decision to finally upgrade First Nations policing services to make them, at a minimum, comparable to those of any other police force.

“We believe that the federal government is making a step in the right direction in an issue that has been the subject of major concerns for several years,” said Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL. “The AFNQL will remain vigilant in the detailed discussions, including the terms and conditions governing the agreements. This work must be undertaken quickly between First Nations authorities, the federal government and the provincial government.”

The national program is currently funding 21 First Nations Police Services in Quebec, covering 29 communities. The program was last renewed in 2103 under the former government and funding will be ongoing for the long-term. “We expect that police services will no longer have to operate in uncertainty and that they will no longer be dependent on the endless negotiations where our nations have too often been at the mercy of government parties,” added Ghislain Picard.

“We are optimistic about the federal government’s commitment to support First Nations’ efforts to maintain peace and order in our communities. We hope that the news announced today will trigger an announcement or communications from the Quebec Government as to where they see themselves with working with our First Nations,” said Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation Government Councillor Lloyd Alcon, who is also the Public Safety spokesperson for the AFNQL.

About the AFNQL
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization of 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebecand Labrador. www.apnql-afnql.com

For further information: Mélanie Vincent, communications@afnql.com, (418) 580-4442Related Links
http://apnql.com/

NT5