Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I lend my voice to the Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador, Ghislain Picard, whose message is as follows:
There have been no fewer than 14 reports and conclusions of commissions of inquiry since 1967 highlighting major problems in relations between law enforcement agencies and indigenous people. Each time, the conclusions have been overwhelming and highlight a disturbing reality.
The justice system has failed indigenous people. Are you going to respond, as you too often do, by moving on to the next one, or are you going to do what we expect you to do, which is to recognize that the justice system discriminates against indigenous people and that we have no less right to security than the rest of the population? In three months, police interventions have claimed more victims among our members than the pandemic. But it is not enough to simply take a knee and denounce racism. It's about standing up and taking action.
Those are the words of Ghislain Picard.