Proposed Kahnawake Tobacco Law classification delayed until meeting

04/15/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the classification of the proposed Kahnawà: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 Kahnawà:ke laws,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron 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 Kahnawà:ke law to regulate tobacco was submitted to the Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission on 25 Enniskó:wa/March 2014. Proponents are asking that the law be created using the Type I process and, additionally, be considered as ‘urgent.’