By saying he is “open” to implement more professional training in indigenous communities, François Legault on Friday launched an appeal to young First Nations: Quebec “lacks people” in many employment sectors. His speech, however, left the leaders bitter, who said they were “extremely disappointed” by the tone of the government.
“We’re running out of people! We lack a lot of nurses, teachers, daycare educators, people in information technology, for example, ”launched the Prime Minister in a speech to a full house at the Great Economic Circle of Peoples. autochthones and Quebec, which took place in Montreal on Thursday and Friday.
He affirms that Quebec must be able to have more young Aboriginals in information technologies, in particular, an area which will be a way of the future, according to him. “If there are those who have a taste for science, there is also room,” he said, recalling that the province is also sorely lacking in engineers and workers in the construction industry. , notably.
Mr. Legault also believes that teleworking is an “extraordinary opportunity” to create “quality jobs” in several regions of Quebec, including native communities. “I hope today will be the start of a new chapter,” he said, calling on indigenous peoples to “unite” with government and the private sector.
His government also took advantage of its presence at the Grand cercle to announce that it will support the School of First Nations Leaders, which will be located in the new HEC Montréal pavilion, up to 10 million. The first cohort is due to be received on December 9th. “It is important that the programs are better adapted to Aboriginal languages, to your cultures,” said Mr. Legault to the crowd. He says he wants to “do the same” for the Aboriginals as what Quebec inc. has already done for francophones since the Quiet Revolution, by giving them access to the management of large companies. “I think that with indigenous peoples, it is quite possible to do the same thing. I want a First Nations and Inuit inc. ”
The Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs, Ian Lafrenière, reiterated the importance of having a “nation-to-nation approach” to signing treaties with Indigenous peoples. “The Prime Minister has already met with several chefs and grand chefs. We will continue to do so, ”he assured.
“Extremely disappointed” chefs
The aboriginal leaders did not appreciate the Prime Minister’s passage at all. “I am extremely disappointed. The fact that he took the opportunity of the event to make some announcements, at the limit, it reflects a certain arrogance. I have the impression, in light of what I have seen over the past few months, that it is as if the Government of Quebec is doing us a favor. This is not the tone that is sought, ”lamented the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Ghislain Picard.
PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, THE PRESS
Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
This is a scenario that we unfortunately see too often, that is to say a government that appears publicly with classic bragging rights and a few millions. He polishes his image.
Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Same story for the leader of Gesgapegiag, John Martin. According to him, Prime Minister Legault “did not answer any questions” on the basis of reconciliation, but simply “continued to promote its projects and developments, which are not a fundamental question for us”.
At the end of his speech, Mr. Legault contented himself with answering three questions from the public, which “is totally unfair and dishonest,” also denounced Mr. Picard. “He talks to us and he goes away as if he has no respect for these people. We don’t come in and we don’t go out like that. We are leaders elected by the people! », Was also indignant the leader of the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John, Réal McKenzie.
The leaders nevertheless underlined that a positive outcome of this great gathering was notably the signing of a “declaration of commitment” with the aboriginal communities including more than 100 actors of the Quebec business community. “It bodes very well for the future,” said Picard.