MCK receives community mandate to counter Canada S-2 legislation

09/26/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to announce that a Mandate was given at last night’s Community Consultation to proceed with a Kahnawà:ke law to counter Canada’s Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (S-2).

Additionally, it was agreed that the law should be created using the Urgent Process of the Community Decision Making Process due to a deadline of June 2014 imposed by the passage of S-2. If communities do not have their own laws in place when the law comes into force, the Federal legislation will prevail.

The MCK will begin work immediately, using draft legislation from the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne as a ‘starting point’ for a Kahnawà:ke law.

“While the number of people who attended wasn’t overwhelming, it was clear from the outset that everyone who participated clearly understood the issue,” said Chief Lloyd Phillips (who is leading the file with Chief Clinton Phillips). “They were very passionate, and they were ready to give direction on the issue. It took less than an hour to come to complete and unanimous consensus on both questions.”

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission will announce the dates of the next meeting(s). Due to the urgency of the matter, it is expected that a preliminary draft could be ready in late October.

“We’re hoping to have this law in place before the end of the year,” said Clinton Phillips. “We’ll have a draft available before the next meeting.”