Comité ministériel du Plan Nord - The representatives of the Inuit of Nunavik present the Parnasimautik Consultation Report

QUEBEC CITY, Aug. 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - At a special meeting of the Comité ministériel du Plan Nord held today, representatives from Inuit organizations presented the conclusions of the Parnasimautik Consultation Report, a broad-based consultation conducted to define a comprehensive vision for the future of the Inuit of Nunavik. The Québec Premier, Philippe Couillard, attended the meeting, accompanied by more than ten Cabinet ministers, the MNA for Ungava, Jean Boucher, and the MNA for Abitibi-Est, Guy Bourgeois.

"In the view of the Government of Quebec, northern development must take place as a collaborative effort with local and Aboriginal communities. The Inuit communities of Nunavik must deal with major issues in terms of economic and social development, and we want to work alongside the First Nations and the Inuit to find solutions adapted to the realities they face," said the Québec Premier.

The Parnasimautik Consultation Report results from consultations with each of the 14 Inuit villages in the North, with Inuits who have settled in Chisasibi and Montreal, and with the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. It presents a realistic portrait of the current situation in Nunavik, and highlights the issues facing communities. It also defines actions to be taken to preserve the Inuit culture, language and identity, the land base, health and social services, education, justice, housing, and economic and regional development.

"The Parnasimautik Consultation Report will help our government to introduce measures that are specifically adapted to the realities and needs of the Inuit communities. We have also agreed that the Québec-Nunavik discussion table will be re-established to ensure that today's discussions are followed up," stated the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Geoffrey Kelley.

"Our vision for northern Quebec, as outlined in the Plan Nord, makes cooperation and partnerships with local communities essential conditions for development. We will work with our Aboriginal partners to respond to the issues raised today," concluded the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, Pierre Arcand.

SOURCE Cabinet du premier ministre

Source: Harold Fortin, Spokesperson for the Premier, Director of Communications, Office of the Québec Premier, Telephone: [phone]; Véronique Normandin, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, 418 643-7295; Annie St-Onge, Press Officer, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, 418 643-3166; Information: Guillaume Plante, Communications Coordinator, Société du Plan Nord, 418 643-1874, extension 6423