Indigenous and Local Voices Push Back on Quebec’s Bill 97

On Sunday, June 22, more than 100 people gathered at Montreal’s Stade Olympique to voice opposition to Bill 97, Quebec’s proposed forestry reform. The crowd marched across the city to make their voices heard and warn against the bill. The legislation plans to divide Crown forests into three zones – conservation, timber production, and mixed-use – a model that supporters argue modernizes management, but community members say undermines Indigenous rights and environmental standards.

Leading voices at the protest included representatives from the Mamu/Mamo community and members of First Nations, who emphasized that the current version of Bill 97 fails to respect ancestral land rights. Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador Chief Francis Verreault‑Paul has previously insisted the bill does not meet the threshold for meaningful collaboration and demanded it be rewritten with Indigenous participation.

Municipal councillor Haroun Bouazzi, along with members of Québec Solidaire, attended the gathering, underscoring that opposition spans beyond affected communities. Activists from Mères au Front also joined the rally, highlighting broader societal concerns.

Signs like “Our land, not your profit” and “Les enfants avant l’argent” drew attention to intergenerational and ecological concerns. Protesters warned that allocating up to one-third of forests for industrial use threatens biodiversity and traditional livelihoods .

The demonstration marked a critical moment as the government concluded public consultations on Bill 97. Many Indigenous community members argue that the proposal lacks safeguards for ecosystems and sustainable community development. With voices from Indigenous nations, environmental advocates, and political leaders resonating together at the iconic stadium, demonstrators called on the Quebec government to halt progression of the bill and chart a more inclusive, conservation-first path forward.