Proposed cuts to First Nation policing services create safety and security problems
Press releases ...
AFN Supports Calls by First Nation Leaders Opposing First Nation Policing Cuts
OTTAWA, March 10 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today supported a call by First Nation leaders from Quebec and Labrador opposing cuts to First Nation policing.
At a press conference in Ottawa this morning, First Nations leaders and representatives from Quebec and Labrador highlighted the negative impacts any funding cuts to First Nation policing would have on the safety and security of their citizens and communities.
"On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I share the concerns of the First Nation leadership. Any cuts would have a tremendously negative effect, particularly in the smaller regions like Quebec and Labrador and in the north where many police detachments already do not meet basic human needs," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. "Currently, with the end of each fiscal year comes a threat to whether or not a community will be able to maintain its police services. Clearly we need to look at a different approach that would provide stable, multi-year agreements with a proper funding base to avoid jeopardizing the safety and security of First Nation communities."
Last month, the AFN stated strong opposition to a projected cutback of up to 19% for First Nations policing in the upcoming fiscal year. Yet, a recent federal government review of the First Nation Policing Program clearly indicated the need for an expansion of the services and that policing needs are greater now than when the First Nations Policing program was created. The report indicates the First Nations population has grown significantly and the social and safety issues are more significant today, necessitating more support.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association (FNCPA) signed a Protocol Agreement on December 11, 2007. The AFN supports First Nation Policing through the FNCPA and fully supports their ability to meet the demands and requirements placed on them.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
For further information:
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or e-mail dkelly@afn.ca
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail jyoung@afn.ca
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From Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
THE FIRST NATIONS DENOUNCE THE CUTBACKS EXPECTED IN POLICING SERVICES
OTTAWA, March 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Within the scope of an unprecedented mobilization, an important delegation of First Nation Chiefs and First Nation Chiefs of Police of Quebec, took the Canadian Parliament by storm today to denounce the treatment reserved by the federal government to the First Nation policing services. They denounce more particularly a 19% cutback announced in the funding agreements of the First Nation police forces, even though this service is already under-funded.
"It's inconceivable! This government is investing heavily in public safety services and in policing services throughout Canada, but want to cutback in the policing services of our communities. It's not coherent", stated the Chief of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), Ghislain Picard.
"If this decision materializes within the scope of the next budget, there will be serious repercussions. This decision will jeopardize the policing services in the communities, and, as a consequence, it will have an impact on criminality and social peace", stated the president of the Association of the First Nations Chiefs of Police of Quebec, Steeve Launière.
Request for a Meeting with the Minister
The Chiefs of the First Nations and the Chiefs of Police have decided to travel to Ottawa today with a view to transmit their grievances directly to the government, and perhaps succeed in obtaining a meeting with the Minister of Public Safety Canada, Vic Toews. "We have already transmitted several requests for a meeting, which continue to remain unanswered. This silence is unacceptable. The Minister must meet with us in order to find solutions to this extremely worrisome situation for our communities", emphasized the Chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Gilbert W. Whiteduck.
The Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, and spokesperson for the AFNQL Public Security Portfolio, Lloyd Phillips, insisted on commending the Opposition Parties for their support at the House of Commons and on reminding the Canadian government of its obligations. "We are not municipalities or villages, we are the First Nations, and we constitute distinct Peoples. On this account, the government has the obligation to consult us before making such a decision. Moreover, since it officially endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this government must now fully accept that this endorsement was not only a simple public relations operation".
Following a press conference held near the Parliament Hill, the delegation of the First Nations went to the Parliament to meet with Members of Parliament and to attend the Question Period of the House of Commons.
Support from the Native Women Association
Michèle Audette, the President of the Quebec Native Women, insisted on taking part in this mobilization and on giving her support. "We, Quebec Native Women, highly estimate our officers. We consider as crucial their presence at the front line, in situations of intervention. Their contributions in the fight against the issues of violence and drugs in our communities are the basis for the improvement of the quality of life for Aboriginal communities."
About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the 43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. For information: www.apnql-afnql.com.
For further information:
Éric Cardinal
Communications Adviser
Cellular: 514 258-2315
eric@cardinalcommunication.com