Historic First Nations Talks to Open Without Quebec Premier
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A long-awaited meeting between First Nations leaders and Canada's first ministers is scheduled for Monday, October 26, marking the first comparable gathering in 21 years. But Quebec's newly installed premier, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, will not be among those attending.
The meeting is expected to bring together Prime Minister Mark Carney, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Indigenous leaders and participating provincial and territorial premiers. It comes as First Nations seek greater influence over decisions affecting their rights, communities and economic futures.
The gathering follows mounting debate over the federal government's efforts to accelerate major development projects and the consultation obligations owed to Indigenous communities.
St-Pierre Plamondon confirmed his decision to stay away at a news conference in Montreal on Friday, October 23. He indicated that he wanted to pursue a different approach to relations with Indigenous peoples, according to The Canadian Press.
The announcement comes shortly after he took office as Quebec premier. The reporting did not establish whether another provincial representative would attend in his place.
A meeting shaped by longstanding priorities
The Assembly of First Nations has developed five policy papers addressing constitutional rights, economic prosperity, health care, policing and public safety, and workforce development.
The documents are intended to inform continued government engagement beyond Monday's discussions. They are not, however, the formal meeting agenda.
The federal government will host the October 26 meeting in Ottawa, following a separate day of traditional ceremonies organized by the Assembly of First Nations on Sunday.
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