Controversial Bill C-10 passes third reading in Senate

10/09/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake would like to inform the community that Canada′s Bill C-10, the controversial ′contraband tobacco act′ has passed the third reading in the Senate without amendments on Tuesday, October 8th in Ottawa.

The Senate voted against an amendment on the Bill that demanded consultation with First Nations people on the impacts of Bill C-10, proposed by Senators Jane Cordy and Larry Campbell. Debate on the Bill lasted only five minutes.

"We expected the Bill to pass but what we were hoping for was the Senators to acknowledge that there is a need for consultations with Aboriginal people - and that happened (acknowledged by two senators),” said Tobacco Portfolio Chief Gina Deer. "We are disappointed that there wasn′t more support but because of the conservative government majority it was expected. Rest assured, we have not given up and we will continue to fight on this issue," she continued.

Bill C-10 seeks to amend the Criminal Code to criminalize ‘contraband’ tobacco and enforce minimum penalties of imprisonment for repeat offenders.

A 30 day community review period for Kahnawà:ke’s own proposed Draft Tobacco Law was completed at the end of August and a feedback report is nearing completion, which will be available to community. Consultations have also taken place with various stakeholders and community members to ensure the community at large understands the issue and has the opportunity to provide their input. The Draft Law will soon enter Phase II of the Community Decision Making Process.

Click here to view Chief Gina Deer on KTV