Notes for a speech by Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, Minister for Native Affairs

Transcription

1 Direction des services à la clientèle Notes for a speech by Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, Minister for Native Affairs Within the context of Forum autochtone 2005 organized by Insight Information Hôtel Loews Le Concorde Québec City March 22, 2005 (The read version prevails) 905, avenue Honoré-Mercier, 1 er étage Québec (Québec) G1R 5M6 Téléphone : (418) Télécopieur : (418)

2 2 Customary greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me to begin by thanking the co-chairs of this forum, Mr. Guy Chevrette and Mr. Jean M. Gagné, for having invited me to speak before such a prestigious audience, made up of experts and stakeholders interested in the development of aboriginal communities in Québec. As you are undoubtedly aware, today marks the first time for me to be on a stage in my capacity as Minister for Native Affairs. I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity to discuss with you a few of the challenges associated with relations between aboriginal communities and the Government of Québec, and to propose a few elements for reflection. But first, with your permission, I would like to briefly describe the professional and political career path that has led me to be in your presence here today.

3 3 From the standpoint of my profession, I began my career in the teaching field. My university education in history, and more specifically in the history of modern Canada, prompted me to develop an interest in the question of relations between the government and the various components of Québec society. It was while working with Mr. Claude Ryan that I established my first contacts with the aboriginal nations of Québec. Among other things, I collaborated in the negotiations leading to the first tripartite police agreements signed by the Government of Canada, Québec and the communities of the First Nations. Between 1990 and 1994, I had the chance to visit half the aboriginal communities of Québec. During the nine long years that we were in the opposition, between 1994 and 2003, I followed the evolution of the aboriginal question in Québec. Between 1997 and 2003, I acted as spokesperson for the official opposition in aboriginal matters. I had the demanding task of monitoring Mr. Guy Chevrette, our co-chair, at work! Barely one month ago, I was sworn in as Minister for Native Affairs. I wish to point out that on that occasion the Premier showed the

4 4 interest that he has in aboriginal affairs by asking a minister to devote all his energies to this office. For my part, I firmly intend to take advantage of my ministerial responsibilities to visit aboriginal communities of Québec as regularly as possible, to better discharge the duties of my office, and to assume the responsibilities incumbent upon me. Every effort must be made to reduce the physical and psychological distance between the communities and the Grande Allée.

5 5 (THE CHALLENGES BEFORE US) So there you have a brief glimpse of my background. I would now like to take a look at the challenges facing Québec society in relation to the aboriginal nations. We have come to the point where we now need to define more clearly, with the nations already taking part in the negotiations and with those that will join the negotiations in the foreseeable future, the scope and the extent of the self-government sought. Through negotiations that are comprehensive in scope, like those currently underway with the Innu and the Attikameks, or negotiations that are sectoral in nature, like the agreement on police services and other matters, the action of the Government of Québec is part of a current of continuity and progress. Continuity in that, far from calling into question the progress achieved in recent years, we recognize the merits of the approach adopted by previous governments, for we want to build on solid foundations. Continuity on the one hand and progress on the other, in that not only do we intend to promote mutual respect and dialogue, we also want to move forward and achieve progress in our discussions with the aboriginal nations, for the greater good of all citizens of Québec.

6 6 While it is true that we are in the process of building on solid foundations, we must admit that there is also a certain impatience in the air. Several negotiating tables have been set up, but progress has been slow in coming in some cases. Despite our firm desire to establish rules that are clear for everyone, whether Aboriginals or non-aboriginals, hunters, fishermen, forestry workers, band leaders, local elected officials, and even the minister, uncertainty reigns in a number of fields. In my opinion, we have the obligation to do everything in our power to achieve success together. We must redouble our efforts if we are to enter into agreements that will allow us to tackle the essential issues that we must face together. More concretely, we have to take up major challenges associated with two issues: on the one hand, social and economic development, and on the other, youth. To illustrate these issues, I would like to talk about 3 key topics: Training Forests Promoting the development of communities

7 7 I think that each element can show us how we should work together. Before discussing training, it is important to emphasize the aboriginal demographic reality in Québec. Last year, Premier Jean Charest invited the public to take part in the Forum des générations in order to discuss the consequences of the demographic trends observed in Québec, a society which, generally speaking, is aging. However, this reality does not apply to the Aboriginal peoples, as most of the communities of the First Nations are in the midst of a baby boom, which explains the importance of training and education. We need to bank more on the educational success of the Aboriginal peoples. What are the conditions for success? How do we make sure that aboriginal culture, languages and values are taught? How do we make sure that there will be a trained work force capable of participating in the economic development of the communities, the First Nations and Québec as a whole?

8 8 Progress is being made in this field. Aboriginal daycare centres, schools and school boards are working with the communities. Several colleges and universities are making exceptional efforts. A case in point is Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue and its efforts in Cree, Inuit and Algonquian communities. Other examples include Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and its research, as well as its presence in Innu communities, Université du Québec à Montréal, which inaugurated a first chair in Amerindian research, and McGill University, which continues to be greatly involved in aboriginal circles. Starting right away we must make sure that the doors of Québec society are open to this up-and-coming generation. To achieve this objective, we need to support aboriginal communities in the education and training field. I feel that this course of action is vital if we are to ensure the long-term success of their development. In my opinion, a better knowledge of each of the nations, not only of their culture and traditions, but also of their hopes and concerns in the face of the modern world and contemporary Québec society will

9 9 become our best tool to combat prejudice and to harmonize our dayto-day relations. When I accepted my new duties as minister, Mr. Pelletier s Chief of Staff gave me the following advice: Since Mr. Pelletier had spent 75% of his time devoted to aboriginal matters on questions related to forest management, I should brush up my knowledge on the Coulombe Report and the Haida ruling. The sound management of our forests with a view to achieving sustainable development will be a major issue in Québec in the years to come. Already, the government has signaled its intention of following up on the main recommendation of the Coulombe Report and of reducing the volumes of wood that will be harvested by 20 percent, starting this year. This decision will have an impact on the entire forest industry, and we are entering a transition period. In November 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled, in the Haida and Taku River cases, that governments had to consult the Aboriginal peoples and, under certain circumstances, to accommodate their concerns, even in those cases where the courts have yet to recognize their rights, but where these rights have been claimed.

10 10 These rulings encourage us to sit down at the negotiating table and try to find harmonization measures that will allow us to respect aboriginal traditions and practices. With good-will and good faith, we will work to harmonize Québec s economic development with the traditional activities of the Aboriginal peoples in those cases where this is required. For its part, the Government of Québec intends to continue the discussions undertaken with the various aboriginal nations with a view to promoting the economic and social development of the communities, as well as the development of their self-government within the context of negotiated agreements. It is important to understand that resorting to the courts should never be the solution of first choice. It is better and by far that elected representatives fulfill their responsibilities by negotiating, rather than relying on the courts to settle the disputes. Indeed, court cases often last years, cost taxpayers millions of dollars and, what is more, the rulings generally encourage the parties to settle their differences through negotiation.

11 11 That is why the government intends to work in partnership with the aboriginal nations, as reflected by its firm wish to sign a treaty with the Innu, to continue negotiations with the Attikameks, and to implement the Paix des Braves signed with the Crees as well as the Sanarrutik Agreement reached with the Inuit. The third element will consist of promoting the economic and social development of the Aboriginal peoples. The Forum des générations underscored the future difficulties for Québec s public finances. An aging population, fewer workers to help fund government programs, pension plans, etc. To examine these questions with the First Nations, the government has taken two steps. First, it created the Joint Council of Elected Representatives. I believe that the Joint Council of Elected Representatives provides the First Nations with an excellent opportunity to exercise their responsibility when it comes to forging closer ties between the aboriginal nations and the Government of Québec. This political discussion forum at the senior-most level periodically invites Québec government ministers and leaders of the First Nations to engage in exploratory work in such areas as the territories, natural resources,

12 12 taxation, economic development, and even services intended for the Aboriginal peoples both on and off the reserve. The Joint Council of Elected Representatives is first and foremost a discussion and political dialogue forum, a place where both parties can come together and learn to get to know one another better, talk to one another and understand one another. The Government of Québec would like the Joint Council of Elected Representatives to serve as an example and to give rise to similar partnerships in various activity spheres. I am convinced that this body can pave the way for a permanent discussion mechanism. The Council is still quite young. There have only been five meetings to date. After speaking with Mr. Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Québec and Labrador, I am aware that the Council has not completely lived up to the First Nations expectations. However, I remain convinced that this model will produce tangible results following our discussions in the months to come. (CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE BROUGHT TOGETHER)

13 13 But in order for this approach to be successful, we, as a society, must bring together a certain number of conditions. One of them is unquestionably the need, for both Aboriginals and non-aboriginals, to cultivate recognition and mutual respect. A true recognition of the other party, and in particular of the aboriginal nations, cannot just be at the legal level. It must be experienced first-hand. We need to show this recognition and experience it tangibly as we live side by side. We must demonstrate openness and courage and not be afraid to see ourselves as we are and as we were, if we are to better understand what we want to be together in the future. Beyond recognition and mutual respect, we must promote dialogue between nations and between individuals. For many years now, Québec has chosen the path of dialogue to establish partnerships based on trust and mutual respect with the various aboriginal nations and communities.

14 14 The reason why our approach is based on dialogue and cooperation is because we consider this approach to be the most pragmatic, from every standpoint. Another key condition is reconciliation. The dialogue that we wish to establish will be characterized by transparency and the reconciliation of the interests of society as a whole. This is by far the best means of ensuring the harmony required to maintain and improve relations between Aboriginals and non- Aboriginals. Indeed, now more than ever, the aboriginal communities and the departments and organizations of the Government of Québec are pooling their efforts to reconcile their goals and aspirations. This form of cooperation clearly illustrates the need for a fourth condition, namely the carrying out of joint projects. We recognize that aboriginal nations desire, and rightly so, to acquire living spaces that will be their own, where they will be able to fulfill their destiny. But as our futures are inseparately linked, we also need to create common ambitions, a common feeling of belonging,

15 15 common living spaces and common heritages where we can share and experience in a tangible way recognition and mutual respect. In Québec, Aboriginals and non-aboriginals already share an impressive common heritage. The Aboriginal peoples have made an invaluable contribution to Québec s development. Throughout our history, the commercial, linguistic and cultural exchanges have left a multitude of marks which continue to be visible and to live on. Today, our challenge lies in multiplying the actions seeking to build partnerships with the Aboriginal peoples, inspired not only by respect, but also through the highlighting of the differences that characterize our society. These are the conditions that we must bring together to permit the tangible establishment of this new relationship between Aboriginals and non-aboriginals: recognition and mutual respect, reconciliation and the carrying out of joint projects.

16 16 (CONCLUSION) At the end of the Forum des générations, in October 2004, Premier Jean Charest announced the holding of a forum on the social and economic development of the First Nations. I am convinced that this will be an important event. Indeed, for the very first time, the government, municipal authorities, civil society and the aboriginal nations will be gathered around the same table. This will be a choice opportunity for all interested parties to express their opinions and exchange their views on the main themes related to the socioeconomic development of aboriginal individuals, communities and nations. The Social and Economic Forum is an invitation to all of us to renew our discussions and forge the relations between Aboriginals and non- Aboriginals that we want to build for future generations. For it is together that we must envisage our future. We should recall the comments of the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of

17 17 Canada, found at the end of the Delgamuukw ruling. Justice Lamer stated and I quote, Let us face it, we are all here to stay. Thank you for your attention.