MCK lays out plan to create Kahnawà:ke law to counter Canada’s S-2 legislation

06/26/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today its plan of action in regard to Canada’s S-2 legislation.

The MCK earlier announced that it will be approaching the community to give the mandate to use the ‘Urgent Law-Making Provisions’ in the Community Decision Making Process to begin the creation of a Kahnawà:ke law to counter the Federal Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (S-2). The legislation received Royal Assent on 19, Ohiarí:ha/June and the new regime will come into force one year from the date that will be established by an Order-in-Council to be passed by Canada.

The MCK will distribute information to the community beginning next week. A pamphlet will be prepared illustrating some of the main concerns over S-2 in early July, to be followed by a more detailed document later in the month. Surveys and in-person kiosks are planned for August. The MCK will approach the Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission with a request for a September date to ask the community for a mandate to proceed.

“It is most important that the community realizes the dangers of this legislation,” said Chief Clinton Phillips. “There are some fairly significant problems that will no doubt arise if we don’t take action. We’ll use every means at our disposal to make sure the message reaches the people.”

“The key will be to make sure people have the information in hand so that when it’s time to move forward we’ll all have the confidence to make the right decision,” said Chief Lloyd Phillips. “We are now entering a period where we will engage the community directly. People should expect pamphlets, television and radio appearances, kiosks, and question/answer sessions.”