Picard has been the regional chief of the Meeting of First Nations Quebec-Labrador since 1992.
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Former Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Otsi Simon is difficult incumbent Ghislain Picard within the election for regional chief of the Meeting of First Nations Quebec-Labrador on Jan. 25.
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The candidates have been introduced Monday by election chair Claude Riverin. The function has a three-year mandate.
Picard, from the Innu neighborhood of Pessamit within the Côte-Nord area, has been the regional chief since 1992 and is looking for an eleventh mandate.
Simon led the Kanesatake reserve northwest of Montreal for 10 years, till he was defeated in an election in July.
The Meeting of Chiefs, leaders of 43 First Nations communities, will participate within the vote and know the 2 candidates effectively.
Picard: Well being is most urgent situation
For Picard, probably the most urgent situation is well being, as COVID-19 sweeps throughout Quebec. “What worries me quite a bit as of late is how we get out of this pandemic for all our communities, however significantly on the psychological well being entrance, which is already missing assist from governments,” he stated in a phone interview.
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He additionally expressed considerations in regards to the penalties of Quebec’s coverage of délestage, suspending non-urgent surgical procedures and medical interventions to cope with COVID-19.
Over the long term, Picard stated he needs to place the problem of “entry to territory and sources” on the desk, after it was “evidently a difficulty that appears to have disappeared from the political debate.”
He stated the communities the AFNQL represents “ought to have the opportunity of creating their very own economies, sustaining them and inspiring them.”
He additionally known as for the elimination of “racism that’s at all times prevalent.”
Simon: “A distinct strategy”
Simon, in the meantime, is banking on his expertise as a grand chief, he defined in a phone interview. “I perceive very effectively what the chiefs on the desk undergo every day,” he stated, describing his decade in Kanesatake as “tough.”
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In 2020, his household obtained demise threats over COVID-19 restrictions and his makes an attempt to manage the hashish business on the territory.
Simon stated in addition to the important thing problems with training, the economic system and security, the meeting “ought to have a foot within the worldwide area” and will forge relationships with First Nations in the USA, Central America and South America, “since we’ve issues in frequent to advertise.”
He pointed to his involvement within the creation of the Treaty Alliance In opposition to Tar Sands Enlargement, signed by 150 nations in Canada and the USA, for example of worldwide cooperation that may assist obtain frequent objectives.
On the regional stage, he stated “there are nonetheless good relations between First Nations and governments or municipalities” however stated “typically, it takes a voice with a bit extra power the place it’s wanted.”
Simon confused that he has “revered and even admired Ghislain (Picard) for the final 10 years” and his candidacy isn’t an opposition to the incumbent however relatively a unique proposal. “I feel it’s good for democracy to have a little bit of competitors and see if there’s a want for a unique course, a unique strategy.”
This story was produced with the monetary help of the Fb and Canadian Press Information Fellowship.
