The Legault government has temporarily backed down from its plan to introduce "Bill 101" to protect Indigenous languages.

"Indigenous representatives feel uncomfortable and want to make the decision," reported the minister responsible for the matter, Ian Lafrenière, on Thursday, the day the anniversary of Joyce Echaquan's death was commemorated at the National Assembly.

"Let’s remember that around this time last year," CAQ leader François Legault committed during the election campaign to present a bill to defend and promote Indigenous languages. But there is currently nothing on the legislative agenda.

Mr. Lafrenière explained at a press gathering: "I received a lot of feedback, and people were uncomfortable with the idea of the bill, feeling that we wanted to impose something on them."

The CAQ government is also awaiting the results of meetings with Indigenous leaders to agree on the course of action to take.

The minister concluded that the bill has not been ruled out, but it could also be a plan or commitments in the budget.

However, he noted that it will not be the role of the Quebec government to promote or protect this Indigenous language or that one, but every nation.

"We want to help you, but we are not the ones who will protect or promote; that's not our mission," Lafrenière concluded, "I understand well the limits of what I can do."