Construction of an Organizational Fuel Depot announced

05/31/2016

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has given the green light to begin Phase I construction of an Organizational Fuel Depot for Kahnawake Organizations that will be used for public service and emergency vehicles. It will generate significant savings on fuel costs because the fuel is delivered to the Territory without PST or GST. The Request for Decision was passed at Monday′s (May 30) duly convened Council Meeting by a vote of 9-2.

The project initially began with a feasibility study into a gas station that would serve all Kahnawa′kehró:non using the Program for Administering the Fuel Tax Exemption  for Indians (Quebec Swipe Card System), but a major stumbling block was the requirement to sign the controversial Quebec Gas Retailer Agreement in order to receive fuel. Chief & Council were unanimous in refusing to sign the agreement due to clauses in the agreement that would jeopardize Kahnawà:ke′s jurisdiction. The MCK will attempt to negotiate a new deal with Quebec for Phase II and in the meantime, try to come to an agreement with local gas station owners to remove the taxes for Kahnawa′kehró:non.

Phase I will see the fuel depot able to receive tax-free fuel for public service & emergency vehicle use only, as the MCK is not classified as a Retailer. Research on the Phase II retail component will begin immediately.

"The end goal is to eventually have all Community members receive tax-free gas on reserve, whether that is at local private gas stations or in Phase II of this station,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton.

The fuel depot will be located at the Kahnawake Peacekeepers site, in front of the new Parking Lot currently being finalized. Construction is expected to start in the next few weeks and be completed by mid-September. The construction will be carried out by the MCK′s Capital Unit.

Ratitsénhaienhs Carl Horn abstained & Martin Leborgne objected due to the fact that Phase I cannot include offering tax-free fuel to Community members at this time; however, both expressed support for Phase II and agree with the need for Phase I. Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby was on a Wellness day.

“It is imperative we have direct access to fuel for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, Peacekeepers, etcetera, 24 hours-per-day/7 days-per-week,” said Ietsénhaienhs Gina Deer .

The issue of a Community Gas Station with access for all Kahnawa′kehró:non was discussed at the 2015 Fall Community Meeting.