No, “the problem of systemic racism is not resolved”, at the Joliette hospital and elsewhere, retorted Friday the Atikamekw of Manawan to François Legault. The latter had argued Thursday, at the leaders’ debate, that the measures deployed since the death of Joyce Echaquan had made it possible to correct the situation.
Posted at 2:53 p.m.
Updated at 4:39 p.m.
“Until the government recognizes systemic racism, the case will not be resolved. We invite the different political parties to re-read Joyce’s Principle [Echaquan]. This is how we can talk about reconciliation and healing. There is still a long way to go,” insists the chief of Manawan, Sipi Flamand.
In the eyes of his group, the outgoing Prime Minister “sends an image that for him, the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan is a thing of the past and that now everything is perfect”. “As long as the government covers the reality with a party line, similar events are likely to repeat themselves and complaints will continue to be reported to us,” the Atikamekw nation is indignant.
The Grand Chief of the Atikamekw Nation, Constant Awashish, said he understood François Legault’s “impression” of “having solved the problem by having made some decisions and taken some actions”.
“We recognize these few gestures that demonstrate a certain level of will, but the problem remains and it is imperative to resolve it in a lasting way. It starts with acknowledging the existence of systemic racism, embracing Joyce’s Principle as written,” he explained.
Carol Dubé, the widower of Joyce Echaquan, does not seem to have appreciated the comment from the head of the CAQ either. On his Facebook page, he said he was “shocked” by the way Mr. Legault “distorted our short discussion”, thus claiming that the Prime Minister had contacted him about it.
PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL)
For the Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard, it is unfortunate that François Legault can “allow himself deviations like that with almost blind confidence”.
“Yes, actions have been taken and decisions have been made, but has the situation really changed? I have not seen anything that demonstrates to me that we are faced with a turnaround in the situation. And that’s what it took, ”he explains in an interview. “It is a government that walks in joy. We want to trivialize a situation, ”he still regrets.
“You are not Premier of Joliette”
“Go to the Joliette hospital. First, all employees received training. We have integrated into the management people who come from Aboriginal communities. The situation has completely changed [depuis la mort de Joyce Echaquan] “, had said Thursday evening Mr. Legault, during the debate of the leaders. Later, he also launched: “the problem is solved at the Joliette hospital. »
His remarks had stung the parliamentary leader of Québec solidaire, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois. “It is not true that the problem experienced by Joyce Echaquan is resolved. You are not Premier of Joliette, you are Premier of Quebec,” he retorted, arguing that discrimination exists far beyond the borders of Joliette.
In Mr. Legault’s office, we pleaded on Friday to have “made a commitment to continue to fight against racism in Quebec”. “Mr. Legault took as an example the changes made at the Joliette hospital following the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan. What happened on the ground, in Joliette, is very encouraging and hopeful,” reiterated the press attaché, Ewan Sauves.
“It shows that it is possible to offer all patients quality care and services, with respect, regardless of their origins. […] We will fight racism in all its forms,” he insisted.
Since the sad and tragic death of Joyce Echaquan, in September 2020, the party of François Legault claims to have notably created a position of assistant to the CEO of the CISSS de Lanaudière “directly assigned to indigenous relations”. All staff would also have undergone training on Aboriginal culture, and liaison officers have been hired to “accompany patients from Aboriginal communities”.