Proposed Kahnawake Tobacco Law classification delayed until meeting

04/15/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the classification of the proposed Kahnaw�:ke law to regulate tobacco has been delayed until Chief & Council have the opportunity to meet with the proponents of the law later this month.

As per the procedures indicated within the Community Decision Making Process, the MCK�s Legal Services has provided its analysis and recommendations on which type of process the proposed law should be placed.

�As many people know, there are two types of processes that are used in the creation or amendment of Kahnaw�:ke laws,� said Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hron Delisle, Jr. �Laws using the Type I format are laws of general application � laws that affect everyone. Those that use the Type II format are more regulatory in nature.�

�MCK�s Legal Services is recommending using the Type II process,� said Chief Gina Deer, who is the lead on the tobacco file. �The simple fact is that we feel it�s best for everyone if we meet with the proponents to get a better level of understanding on the purpose of the law and the processes that are used to create and pass laws.�

The proposed Kahnaw�:ke law to regulate tobacco was submitted to the Kahnaw�:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission on 25 Ennisk�:wa/March 2014. Proponents are asking that the law be created using the Type I process and, additionally, be considered as �urgent.�