An arson attack broke out early Saturday morning at the home of an elected member of the Band Council of Wôlinak, an Abenaki community located near Bécancour, in the Centre-du-Québec region.
According to witnesses, the flames started around 4:10 a.m. Saturday morning at the home of Councilor Martine Bergeron-Milette.
The Wôlinak police department confirmed that at least two suspects are wanted after the discovery of containers of accelerant near the scene of the fire. A fire scene technician from the Sûreté du Québec was also requested for assistance.
This fire raises indignation in the community which was already shaken at the beginning of the week after a group of councilors obtained the suspension of the director general of Wôlinak.
A few hours after the fire, the head of the band council, Michel R. Bernard, posted a message on his Facebook page to show his solidarity with the victims.
“The safety of our members is the priority of the Abenakis of Wôlinak Council and that is why we guarantee that all the actions necessary to bring to light the cause of this incident will be found”, wrote Mr. Bernard.
He then urges those who may have information to contact the Wôlinak police at (450) 568-3733.
The burnt garage housed two businesses. The snow removal tractors and machinery stored there were worth nearly $1 million, according to Ms. Bergeron-Milette’s spouse.