Notice regarding Business Interruption Fund assistance for Commercial Rents

06/03/2020

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke wishes to inform the business community that reimbursements through the Tewatohnhi’saktha-administered Business Interruption Fund for all commercial rent claims are currently under review due to concerns with certain landlord rental fees. Landlords and business tenants have been informed that payments have been put on hold during the review period.

The Business Interruption Fund, which is part of the Kahnawà:ke Emergency Relief Fund, was created to provide emergency relief on an ‘as needed’ basis to assist those businesses that may be struggling during the pandemic. However, Chief & Council made the decision to conduct a review on this specific matter due to some extremely large and extraordinary amounts of money being paid through the Fund.

During this review period each rental situation will be evaluated based on information provided by the owner of the building as to the financial position/status of the rental property.

“The Kahnawà:ke Emergency Relief Measures Board felt it was very difficult to support commercial rents being charged to local businesses when, in several instances, tenants’ businesses have been or remain closed,” said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton. “This is especially concerning if the property has no financial debt or obligation. Some of the rent charges were eye-opening in their amounts. We have to consider the best use of community funds.”

The Board is committed to continue working with the landlords of these properties to come to a workable and fair solution regarding this matter, given the parameters and individual situations.

Please note that the Commercial Rent Reimbursement Criteria includes (but is not limited to) some of the following:

• Claims must be made by the rental property owner
• Documents of rental agreements must be provided
• Landlords will be required to provide documentation to demonstrate their need via mortgage loan documentation from their banking institution

For further information on the criteria for commercial rent reimbursements for landlords/renters, visit www.kahnawake.com/relief or contact Tewatohnhi’saktha at 450-638-4280.