The Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs, Ian Lafrenière, unveiled on Friday an investment of $141 million over five years, intended in particular to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures and languages.
The social action plan “is the result of a tour of the 55 communities that I did recently,” explained Ian Lafrenière, at a press briefing in Montreal. In addition to the “crisis in housing needs”, the Minister raised issues regarding language and culture. “I saw that there was a need to act a bit more robustly in this case,” he explained. To do this, the assistance granted to Aboriginal media will be increased.
In addition to language and culture, the plan also addresses the issues and challenges of Aboriginal women. One of the measures aims to provide emergency financial assistance for victims of violence. A listening, chat and referral line specific to First Nations and Inuit communities will also be set up.
Other themes of the plan include holistic child and family development, socio-economic conditions and social inclusion, health and wellness, and justice and public safety.
Law 96: a policy of “outstretched hand”
Regarding Bill 96, Minister Lafrenière said he was working with the communities to “find solutions”. The elected official says he advocates a policy of “outstretched hand” regarding the concerns raised by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) in relation to the CAQ reform of the Charter of the French language.
Last week, Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL, affirmed that the assessment of the four years in power of the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) was “historically disappointing”. In particular, he criticizes the government for refusing to recognize systemic racism and for abandoning the inclusion of the notion of cultural security in the Act respecting health services and social services.
Asked about the absence of Mr. Picard during the unveiling of the plan, Minister Lafrenière replied that he was at the launch of the Kwe! Meeting with Aboriginal peoples in Quebec. Consultations were held with the AFNQL, assured the elected official.
More details will follow.