QS tables motion for Quebec government to recognize systemic racism and adopt Joyce’s Principle

On Thursday, Québec solidaire MNA and official co-spokesperson Manon Massé, held a press briefing at the National Assembly to announce that her party is tabling a petition asking the Quebec government to recognize the existence of systemic racism and discrimination in Quebec and to adopt Joyce’s Principle.

Massé was accompanied by Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), Marjolaine Étienne, president of the Quebec Native Women (QNW), and Sipi Flamand, chief of the Manawan Atikamekw Council.

“The system is racist and it has to change,” said chief Picard during the press briefing.

Picard expressed his frustration at how slow-moving any progress seems to be with the CAQ government and says premier Legault is missing an opportunity to be seen as an ally instead of someone who insists on ignoring the issues.

“If I were the premier of Quebec I would love to have this as an opportunity to be outside of the field and lead the way in terms of relations with Indigenous Peoples,” Picard said.

“But instead, the government chooses to isolate itself and stay away from any kind of discussion in the country.”

CAQ rejection of Joyce’s Principle stems from its denial of systemic racism

Joyce’s Principle is named for Joyce Echaquan – a 37-year-old mother of seven from Manawan who died at the hands of Joliette Hospital caregivers who openly displayed racist behaviour towards her.

Joyce’s Principle was written following consultations with Atikamekw community members and healthcare workers, aiming to guarantee “a right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all health and social services.”

Attempts by the Liberal Party to have Joyce’s Principle adopted officially in Quebec City in 2020 failed because provincial party leaders objected to its use of the term systemic racism.

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“We know the government of Quebec has this position about systemic racism,” said Sipi Flamand, chief of the Manawan Atikamekw Council, “but now all Indigenous communities want change.”

With QS tabling the petition, Massé says it’s time for everyone to engage in a constructive conversation that takes into account more than one vision.

“Indigenous communities all have the same definition of systemic racism,” she said. “So I think it’s time for sit down and talk…. all MNAs, and have this discussion because our relations with Indigenous communities, it’s not just what the CAQ says.”