The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) has adopted by resolution a negotiation and transition mandate for an alternative health and wellness governance model.
On March 26, 2025, the AFNQL Chiefs reached a promising consensus: to entrust negotiation and preparation mandates for the transition based on the health and wellness governance model co-developed by and for First Nations.
This decisive step for First Nations reaffirms the collective will of First Nations communities in Quebec to reclaim responsibilities in health and social services through a model that reflects their image. To date, these responsibilities have been coordinated by Indigenous Services Canada. Several Chiefs stressed the importance of collective strength for the benefit of all as an essential element in strengthening local power and capacity.
In preparation for this vote, 28 communities were visited from November 2024 to March 2025, during a second community tour. The tour aimed to:
- Enhance the overall understanding of the future health and wellness body’s regional roles and responsibilities and of the benefits of establishing that body.
- Answer questions and discuss health and wellness concerns with Chiefs, Councillors, General Directors, Health and Social Services Directors, and various support workers.
Communities visited
Ten years of co-development
The March 26 vote marked the culmination of ten years of co-development by First Nations in Quebec. This emotional moment brought together a large number of the communities’ Health and Social Services Directors, true pillars of this approach, whose unwavering dedication played a decisive role in the process and was recognized by the AFNQL Chiefs at the assembly.
Over the years, numerous regional meetings, including the one held on February 19, were organized to hold participatory workshops focused on the collective development of the governance model. In parallel, focus groups were organized to allow each community to share its needs, visions and fields of expertise. First Nations organizations were also consulted to better understand their service offerings and to reflect on their role in the future structure.
This approach made it possible to build a model rooted in the realities and aspirations of First Nations and driven by a shared vision of self-determination in health and social services.
Upcoming negotiations with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec
The AFNQL entrusted the Chiefs Advisory Committee and the FNQLHSSC with the mandate to create an ad hoc committee to establish and oversee a negotiating team. This team will develop and negotiate an agreement in principle with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec. Then, the signing of a final agreement will allow local First Nations governments to transfer federal health and wellness responsibilities to a health and wellness governance structure based on the new model presented to the AFNQL Chiefs on March 26, 2025.
Preparing for the transition
The AFNQL’s resolution tasks the FNQLHSSC with preparing for the transition with the communities, while respecting their autonomy, and working with First Nations to develop an integrated planning approach for health and wellness services ahead of the transformation.