2 years after Viens report, Quebec Indigenous affairs minister acknowledges 'still a lot of work to be done'
CBC
The Quebec government is slowly moving forward with recommendations laid out in the Viens commission, a landmark report two years ago that documented the mistreatment of Indigenous people in the province.
Ian Lafrenière, minister responsible for Indigenous affairs, said Friday he has been meeting with Indigenous leaders since taking over the position last fall.
He said 68 recommendations will be implemented by next spring, but that hundreds more changes could be necessary in areas ranging from policing to health care, based on the findings of the Viens commission and other reports.
He outlined three immediate priorities: education, youth protection and the well-being of Indigenous women.
"It's a start, there's still a lot of work to be done, I'm very aware," Lafrenière said at a news conference.
"I have the profound conviction that we are on the right track."
Lafrenière said the completed recommendations and those unfulfilled will be made public on the government's website.