PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS: FIRST NATIONS NEARLY ABSENT FROM THE CAMPAIGN

WENDAKE, QC, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ — Following the leaders’ debates held as part of the provincial election campaign, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) notes with concern the near absence of First Nations issues in the discussions that have shaped the campaign thus far.

Despite the commitments expressed by party leaders during their participation in the AFNQL Chiefs’ Assembly, those commitments are now struggling to be reflected in the election campaign.

Yet the issues affecting First Nations are numerous and directly concern Quebec society as a whole: education, health and social services, the protection of languages and cultures, access to housing and infrastructure, efforts to combat homelessness, public safety, economic development, land protection, and self-determination.

“First Nations cannot be relegated to the margins when it comes to our collective future. Envisioning that future requires co-developing, with us, a vision for society that delivers lasting benefits for everyone. Coexistence must be reflected in the meaningful inclusion of our issues and priorities in this campaign and in the political decisions of the next government,” stated AFNQL Chief Francis Verreault-Paul.

The AFNQL calls on all political parties and media organizations to give meaningful attention to First Nations issues for the remainder of the campaign, as these issues are inseparable from Quebec’s political, social, and economic future.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) is the regional political organization representing the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. For more information, visit www.apnql.com.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador