Self-government
The agreement-in-principle stipulates that the Innu governments would also have the general power to enact laws and regulations concerning their territory (Innu Assi) and their citizens. The Innu would be able to ensure their development by relying on their own political institutions and their own legislation.
Creation of an Innu government
Following the signing of the final agreement, an Innu government would be created to replace the existing band councils. The Innu constitution adopted would set the rules governing the democratic exercise of power and compliance with laws. Among the powers conferred on the Innu government, there would be the power to set up a judicial system. The Québec and Canadian charters would continue to apply to the Innu and their territory.
Application of Innu laws
The agreement-in-principle contains a list of activity sectors in which Innu laws would take precedence. These sectors include, among others, the Innu language and culture, primary and secondary instruction, Innu Aitun (hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering for traditional purposes), family law and local security.
Respect for existing standards in certain activity sectors
In other activity sectors, Innu laws would have to respect minimum standards. This is the case notably for the construction of buildings, occupational safety, animal health protection and the quality of food products.
Specific exclusions
Certain activity sectors would be excluded from Innu jurisdiction, such as criminal law, national defence, immigration, automobile vehicles and the manufacture of drugs and alcoholic beverages.
Ultimately, the agreement stipulates that the Innu would pay income tax and other taxes to their governments. Harmonization agreements would then be reached with Québec and Canada with a view to preventing tax evasion and unfair competition, among other things. For the Government of Québec, this is one of the conditions for the acceptability and success of the final agreement.
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