Sanitary Conditions Law First Reading completed

05/10/2011

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to inform the community that the First Reading of the proposed amendments to the Sanitary Conditions Law took place yesterday (Monday).

The amendments were proposed by the MCK’s Lands Unit.

This was the first time that a piece of “Type 2” legislation was brought forth using the Community Decision Making Process (CDMP). Type 2 legislation affects “a segment or specific interest in the community” and is usually regulatory in nature.

There were approximately twelve “unaffiliated” community members present among the thirty-plus people in attendance. The proponents of the amendments (Lands Unit) were also present, along with members of the Kahnawà:ke Environmental Protection Office, other MCK staff, and a member of the local media. Eight Council Chiefs were also in attendance.  

(Please note: Council Chiefs who participate in any CDMP meetings do so as community members and not as elected chiefs.)

The First Reading meeting was organized by the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the body responsible for facilitating the Community Decision Making Process.

The meeting included a review of the comments received during the recently-completed thirty day review and an actual reading of the proposed amendments to the law into the public record. There was also lively discussion on the merits of the amendments and of the process itself. No decisions were made in regard to the law, as this was not the intention of the meeting.

The next steps in the process will be announced shortly.