In light of growing tensions on the ground in response to Bill 97 concerning the reform of the forestry regime, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) expresses deep concern and issues a call for dialogue, directly urging the Quebec government to take responsibility.
“In a context of latent violence, I appeal to mutual understanding. The future of the forest must be built on respect and structured dialogue. The issue is not on the ground—it lies within the bill itself and in how the government responds to the converging criticisms from First Nations and many civil society actors,” stated Chief Francis Verreault-Paul.
The AFNQL recalls having suspended its participation in the High-Level Consultation Table on July 18, due to unsuitable conditions for genuine co-construction. Since then, the Quebec government has claimed to be open to amending the bill. However, the AFNQL considers this interest to fall short of the fundamental principles upheld by First Nations, as reiterated in the open letter dated July 22:
- Respect for ancestral and treaty rights, as recognized by the Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
- Establishment of co-management on a government-to-government basis,
- Withdrawal of the proposed Priority Forest Management Zoning.
The solution lies in a simple legislative stroke of a pen by the Quebec government. The AFNQL therefore emphasizes the need to establish the conditions for a genuine and constructive dialogue.
“Opposition to Bill 97 goes far beyond First Nations. Our members, like forestry workers, find themselves held hostage by a legislative deadlock that could easily be defused through a political gesture of recognition and openness. The AFNQL is ready to engage with the government on the basis of transparency, respect for rights, and co-construction,” added Chief Verreault-Paul.