The Commission

Following events that have revealed, for instance, the possibility of discriminatory practices toward Aboriginals in the delivery of public services in Québec, and beyond specific facts concerning individual cases, the government and Aboriginal officials have agreed that there was a need to shed a global light on the systemic issues inherent to the relationship between Aboriginals and stakeholders of certain public services in Québec.

The Government of Québec has expressed its desire to identify the underlying causes of all forms of violence, systemic discrimination and differential treatment toward Aboriginals that may be exist with the delivery of certain public services in Québec.

That is why on December 21, 2016, the Government of Québec created the Public Inquiry Commission on relations between Indigenous Peoples and certain public services in Québec: listening, reconciliation and progress, in order to investigate, consider the facts and recommend concrete and effective corrective measures to be implemented by the Government of Québec and Indigenous officials.

When making the announcement, Premier Philippe Couillard mentioned that [courtesy translation] "the most recent meetings between the Government of Québec and the Aboriginal chiefs have demonstrated the need to act rapidly to restore the relationship of trust broken since the events in Val-d'Or. Our common desire is that Aboriginal women and all members of the Aboriginal communities can live freely and feel safe in Québec, and trust various government authorities, including the police. We are pursuing this path in manner that is consistent with the values of tolerance, respect, openness and dignity that are specific to Québec society, and I am convinced that our responces will provide a solid foundation to continue to live harmoniously together, for the benefit of both the Aboriginal communities and all Quebecers."