In September 2019, the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec (Viens Commission) tabled its final report. It contained 142 calls for action to eliminate discriminatory practices towards First Nations and Inuit.
What’s the prognosis?
The Protecteur du citoyen analyzed the actions by various public departments and agencies. In its first follow-up report, released today, it notes that efforts have been made but that there’s still a long way to go.
1) There have been several initiatives, but only piecemeal ones
Sustainable transformation of public services will hinge on:
- Devising a comprehensive strategy based on Indigenous community priorities with First Nations and Inuit representatives;
- Establishing a clear portrait of Indigenous realities by collecting reliable data consistent with the communities’ needs and ways of doing things.
2) Urgent reform is not happening
The Protecteur du citoyen zeroed in on action priorities such as:
- Creating a long-term strategy for meeting major housing needs in Indigenous environments;
- Abolishing and preventing all forms of discrimination in health services and social services;
- Improving access to justice services for the Nunavik population;
- Building on Indigenous autonomy in matters of youth protection.
For further information
See the video by message by Protecteur du citoyen Marc-André Dowd:
Download:
- The complete report: First follow-up report on the Viens Commission;
- The report summary in English, French, Atikamekw, Anicinape, Cree, Innu-aimun or Inuktitut.
