Quebec agrees with need for urgent meeting on Highway 30, letter to be hand-delivered to Feds

12/14/2015

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK)  is informing the community that a meeting with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard on issues relating to the proposed Bill 85 legislation is imminent.

“We spoke to Municipal Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Geoff Kelley late Friday afternoon,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “They both agreed that our demand to meet with the Premier was an urgent matter. The sooner we meet face-to-face the better.”
 
A date is expected to be announced shortly.

Additionally, Grand Chief Norton, along with Chiefs Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer and Clinton Phillips, will be attending a Kahnawà:ke/Canada Relations (KCR) ‘main table’ meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) in Ottawa. The Grand Chief will use the opportunity to hand-deliver a message to the Federal government, reminding them that they have a key role to play in the current Highway 30 issue.

The KCR process brings the MCK and Federal representatives together on an on-going basis to discuss issues related to Lands and Membership. The main table meets occasionally to gain an overview on progress and as a means of discussing new or pressing matters.

“As far as we’re concerned they have to play a leading role,” Grand Chief Norton continued. “Much of what is planned for Highway 30 is on lands within the Seigneury of Sault St. Louis, which we’ve never relinquished – plain and simple. So, as you can see, there’s plenty of work to go around for both Canada and the province.”

Chief & Council continue to meet on the matter of Bill 85, its potential effects on the Territory, and possible/potential strategies. As well, the MCK’s Legal Services team is conducting its legal analysis. The MCK has pledged to keep the community informed on all developments related to this situation.