Indigenous communities are refusing to accept the compromise proposed by the CAQ government regarding forestry reform, citing concerns over an upcoming government shuffle on Wednesday.
The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) has demanded the complete withdrawal of Bill 97, expressing skepticism about collaborating with the government. Despite sporadic blockades on Atikamekw territory, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Maïté Blanchette Vézina had suggested last week that the AFNQL participate in amending the bill with the ministry’s legal team.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the AFNQL expressed doubts about the likelihood of their proposals being incorporated into a significantly revised version of Bill 97. The proposed legislation aims to establish “priority forest management zones,” which prioritize industry activities, a contentious issue for Indigenous communities.
Two weeks ago, members of the Atikamekw community staged protests against the reform by blocking a road near Obedjiwan in their territory. While acknowledging their opposition to these tactics, community leaders voiced concerns about the bill’s impact.
The AFNQL has emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the bill amidst factors such as the cabinet reshuffle scheduled for Wednesday, the postponement of the parliamentary session, and the potential prorogation. Despite some indications of openness, the organization believes there is too much ambiguity to proceed with improving the bill.
