Idle No More: Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine elected official support First Nations' demands

GASPÉ, QC, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Following a meeting held this week with Mi'gmaq representatives, the Conférence régionale des élus Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (CRÉGÎM) announces that it supports their demands.

The Chair of the Conférence régionale des élus, Bertrand Berger, says he fully understand the Idle no more movement and the demands made by the three representatives of the region's First Nations' communities - Dean Vicaire, Claude Jeannotte and Guy Condo. "The First Nations have been shut out of negotiations that have led to changes in legislation which directly concern them. They want to have a voice, and this is entirely legitimate," says Berger.

A number of issues affect the entire population. In fact, many non-Aboriginals took part in the January 5 demonstration at Gesgapegiag to denounce the modifications made to several laws and to express their dissatisfaction with the employment insurance reform, another example showing that the Conservatives are not listening to people.

The currently criticised omnibus C-45 Bill also raises fears that navigable waterway protection would be compromised, a concern given the region's resources and environment.

Consequently, CRÉGÎM calls on the Harper government to be more open and listen to the First Nations; he hopes the situation will be dealt with quickly.

Indeed, some pressure tactics put in place by the Mi'gmaq affect the development of the Gaspé Peninsula. Notably, the railroad tracks have been barricaded near the Chaleur Bay community of Listuguj, which unfortunately harms the activities of Temrex and the Société du chemin de fer de la Gaspésie (SCFG).

CRÉGÎM was delighted to learn today that SCFG will be able move its freight wagons blocked at Temrex and that the Mi'gmaq community of Listuguj has announced its intention to lift the railroad blockade on Friday.

SOURCE: Conférence régionale des élus Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine

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