AFN Concerned About Quebec Nationhood

AFN Concerned About Quebec Nationhood

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 14:23

The Assembly of First Nations is asking Members of Parliament to consider First Nations interests in any discussion regarding the nationhood of Quebec.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s motion to recognize the Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada was passed in the House of Commons last night.

AFN national chief Phil Fontaine says under no circumstances should the recognition of the Quebecois be achieved by putting the historical and constitutional status of First Nations at risk.

Fontaine is asking MPs to include on the historical record an acceptable understanding that there be no adverse implications for First Nations as a result of this motion.

He says parliamentarians need to make it clear that the motion in no way diminishes “the unique status and rights of First Nations and their unique place in the past, present and future” of Canada.