MCK commends CP on patience during rail stoppage

02/24/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to commend Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) for its patience during the past two weeks. While Canadian National has taken out court injunctions to closing of Wet’suwet’en support sites in Tyendinaga and St. Lambert, CP has so far avoided this confrontational tactic.

“We met with CP officials several days ago,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “It was made clear that they wished to proceed in a different direction. While we are fully aware that the current situation has caused problems for both commuter train users and freight delivery, they realize that an injunction could cause more problems than it would solve.”

Additionally, Grand Chief Norton stated that he has been pleased that the Québec government has also avoided the injunction route.

“Relations with governments always present challenges,” Grand Chief Norton added. “We have been known to criticize either Canada or Québec when we need to. But we should also acknowledge when a government – in this case Québec – acts in a patient and prudent manner. And that is exactly what is needed at this time. Canada needs to do the same.”